What would it feel like to welcome ALL of you into your practice? Not just the parts of your body that work well, not just the positive thoughts and emotions. To truly allow everything to BE as it is! The busy mind, sore lower back, general stiffness and tiredness. What would happen if you met these parts of yourself with acceptance not resistance? Is it possible to notice a feeling of discomfort, a thought of “I wish I was stronger, more flexible”, with openness and curiosity? Perhaps when we let go of struggling with what is, we make space for a different outcome, a new way of being with ourselves.

When we fight or resist our experience, we bring more heat/energy to the circumstance.

As psychologist Kristin Neff puts it, “Suffering equals pain times resistance.”

The amount we suffer in life is the product of the pain itself, multiplied by the amount we resist it.

Suffering = Pain * Resistance.

Letting go of resistance doesn’t mean resigning to it. It’s about accepting that not everything is in your control. In fact, very little is.

So…the next time you find yourself on your mat—notice areas of resistance, whether physical discomfort, mental agitation or life not going as you hoped—explore the practice of acceptance.

  1. Notice when something painful or uncomfortable arises.
  2. Observe thoughts of resistance as they arise (e.g. “This shouldn’t be happening!” / “Why me?!”) and let them pass by.
  3. Come back to your centre by accepting the circumstance as it is. Be fully open to what is here, now.
  4. Bring attention to the physical sensations of the experience. Notice that they’re temporary and will pass.
  5. Continue the practice as life continues to change. Whenever you find yourself holding onto some resistant thought, let it go.

Reference: https://mindfulambition.net/suffering-pain-resistance/ by Kristin Neff