“What you resist persists” is more than just a catchy phrase. It’s actually a potent reminder that what we focus on the most tends to be what stays in our lives and is constantly reinforced, whatever it may be. What we resist persists because when we bring our attention to something, we put energy into avoiding or denying what is present, and what we’re actually doing is creating room for that thing to linger and continue its presence in our life – even if it has been difficult and unwanted at times. It can even be said that what you resist not only persists, but will grow in size!
This can be an eye-opening insight when it comes to working with and transforming our current circumstances – giving us the power to transform what has been a source of pain and frustration into something that can actively support us to grow.
What does the phrase “What you resist persists” mean?
What does it mean when we hear the phrase “What you resist persists”? At its core, it suggests that if one tries to push something away or ignore it, that thing will only get heavier in your life. What is important to remember is that resistance isn’t just physical actions, but it also can be mental and emotional bridges we build in our heads.
Where did the phrase come from?
What you resist persists is a phrase with an interesting origin story. It comes from the early 20th-century field of psychotherapy known as “Psychoanalysis,” founded by Sigmund Freud. This particular phrase stems from the idea of the unconscious forces driving our behavior and the need to identify, process and accept our innermost desires and motivations in order to face them instead of trying to deny or repress them.
By doing so, we learn to make room for self-discovery and can actively pursue paths toward personal growth. What you resist persists and serves as a reminder that learning how to authentically process and express feelings is a key factor in fulfilling life’s potential.
What are some examples of how this phrase can be applied to life?
A common phrase, what you resist persists, can be applicable to all aspects of life. You may have noticed it already when it comes to completing mundane tasks or avoiding the hard work associated with what you need to do. For instance, if you procrastinate on doing the laundry, more clothes will pile up, and it will become even harder to complete what needs to be done. The same concept can also be applied in other aspects of life, such as relationships or decisions we make.
If we are constantly worrying about what someone else thinks or what is going to happen next, then that worry is likely what will persist in our thought process, and a pattern will develop around it. However, if we take a more lighthearted approach and accept what there is without trying to fight against it, the worry and resistance will naturally dissipate over time.
How can resistance be used as a tool for personal growth?
Whether we like it or not, what we resist can become more powerful in our lives. Embracing this concept and making resistance work to our advantage is a valuable asset for personal growth. Have you ever had an experience where what you were avoiding kept showing up again and again? Many spiritual teachers refer to this phenomenon by telling us that what we resist persists.
Choosing to treat resistance as our teacher instead of allowing it to be a source of frustration may take some getting used to, but it is worth the effort. When we use what we are resisting as an invitation for self-exploration, what used to stop us in our tracks can pave new pathways – helping us discover hidden aspects of ourselves that lead to a stronger sense of identity and well-being.
What are some ways to let go of resistance?
If you find yourself feeling stuck and held back by resistance, it may be time to simply let go. It’s easier said than done, but what you resist persists – so what have you got to lose? David Hawkins explored this idea in depth in his book Letting Go, which argues that total surrender of the ego is necessary for personal evolution. A few things he recommends for uprooting resistance include being mindful of thoughts and being kinder to ourselves.
Other ways to let go include smiling throughout the day, meditation and talking positively about yourself. Most importantly, learning how to foster inner peace is key to letting go of resistance for good.
How can I become more aware of when I am resisting something?
To become more aware of when we are resisting something, it’s helpful to first understand what resistance is. Resistance, at its core, is an emotional reaction to what is happening in the present moment – almost like a clenched fist in response to what life is offering you right now. When we come across a situation that is confusing or difficult, instead of trying to immediately fix it or make it go away, take time to really sit with what’s arising and acknowledge how you feel about it.
As the old spiritual adage goes: what you resist persists. So by transitioning into an observer of your current experience rather than reacting quickly, this shift in attitude can help increase our awareness and actively embrace what’s here.
Why is it important to become aware of resistance?
Becoming aware of resistance is a crucial step in allowing ourselves to be free from what holds us back. Resistance can take many forms, whether it be fear, doubt, or avoidance; recognizing what we resist allows us to better access what lies underneath what is blocking us. The phrase “what you resist persists” speaks to this idea that what we are resisting tends to linger and continue without being fully addressed.
Becoming aware of the resistance may require some honest self-reflection and potentially uncomfortable moments, but doing so can allow us to shine more light on what needs healing or addressing within ourselves. With more awareness of what we’re resisting, we open up a new space for true spiritual growth and progression.
What are the consequences of resisting something?
There’s an old saying that what we resist persists, and it definitely holds true when we think of the consequences of resisting something. It’s all too easy to try and block what we don’t want from our lives or what is causing us stress, but unfortunately, this only serves to increase both anxiety and stress. The more you resist the more it persists, and this can create an endless cycle of fighting what you ultimately may not be able to change, resulting in a feeling of helplessness or even hopelessness. Whether it’s standing up for what you believe in or finding acceptance of a difficult situation, resisting something can be counter-productive; our spiritual side is better served when we look towards what we can accept and embrace.
What are the benefits of letting go of resistance?
Letting go of resistance has countless benefits, both spiritually and in our everyday lives. At a spiritual level, it helps to free our minds and souls from negative patterns that restrict us in life. It can also help us to break down stubborn mental barriers that keep us trapped in the same challenges day after day.
On an everyday basis, shedding resistance brings psychological benefits too! We become more open-minded to new ideas and opportunities, boosting our chances of achieving true fulfillment. Shaking off the weight of resistance means we can finally reach for what we truly want without fear or uncertainty clouding our vision. What could be sweeter than living with less self-sabotaging tendencies? Get resistant free today and reap the rewards tomorrow!
What are some signs that I am resisting something?
There are a few signs that we may be resisting something, whether it’s an emotion, thought, or circumstance. One sign could be a feeling of discomfort – when we bottle up our emotions or even attempt to control what we cannot change. Additionally, what we tend to focus on the most may also be a form of resistance. If the same negative thoughts seem to come up again and again, this is likely what’s happening.
Finally, when our dreams don’t manifest as quickly as expected, or we feel stuck in any way; this is another sign that something may need to be released or dealt with for more positive flow and freedom to enter our lives. Paying attention to what’s going on can make all the difference!
How can I learn to accept things that I cannot change?
Although it’s often easier said than done, learning to accept the things in life that we cannot change can be one of the most rewarding lessons on our journey through life. We all have moments where it might seem like something insurmountable is blocking our path; however, accepting that situation and finding a way to navigate around it by reorienting yourself can lead to progress, growth, and immense self-discovery.
Learning to accept the unchangeable may require you to look within and think deeply about how you view life. This process requires dedication and patience, but by drawing on spiritual truths such as universal love and impermanence, we can gain invaluable insight into relinquishing control and coming to terms with what is out of our hands.
Ultimately, resistance is part of being human – it’s natural to resist change, and many people will struggle with it in some way. However, remember that growth is impossible without embracing change. “What you resist persists” may sound like a cliché, but there’s real power in the mindset shift of accepting things as they are. The consequences of resisting something can lead to stuckness, fear, and stagnation. On the flip side, letting go of resistance allows us to create meaningful changes or improvements in our lives; acknowledging our current reality paves the way for necessary growth and personal development.
If you’re feeling stuck and want to see how embracing resistance can transform your life, take a few moments to practice acceptance of something small today instead of running away: become aware of when you are resisting something, consider how to approach it differently and discover what happens when you make allowing things to be as they are your starting point.
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