Softening resistance and the ‘inner rebel’

When we attempt to make changes in our self care, or when we express a desire to change or grow, strong feelings of rebellion, resistance, or ‘inner no’s’ can arise, clamoring for our attention.

We often tense up and contract in the face of this resistance. This energy can feel tight, hot, or like a giant, “NO! You can’t make me!”

Resistance can have tremendous wisdom in it. But we can only access this wisdom when we slow down, listen and pay attention – when we become more intimate with it.

Sometimes resistance is there as a kindness – it’s asking us to slow down, stop or pause.

Sometimes it’s a protector, asking us to stop – don’t rush ahead! – and to care for something really vulnerable, a part of us that needs care and tenderness.

Sometimes resistance is the natural fear and anxiety that arises with growth. In this case, resistance is something to care for and move through.

The more time we spend getting to know resistance, the more we can ‘steer the ship’ and attune to what’s needed:  do we pause? Slow down? Stop? Take a break? Move forward?

I’ve created an Inner Rebel worksheet that walks you through this process of befriending resistance. This exercise will help you learn what resistance feels like in your body, what it has to tell you, and how to care for it.

You’ll gain confidence in discerning the different ways resistance arises for you, and how to best care for it so it doesn’t derail the growth and healing you long for.

As you befriend resistance, it becomes less scary, less of an obstacle or enemy, and more of an ally on your path.

If you’d like to change how you relate to resistance, I encourage you to give this approach a try.

Download the Inner Rebel worksheet