High school physics introduces us to the academic concept of resistance. It is defined as an ‘Opposition’. And the moment we read this word it sends out signals of resistance to the brain. The question is do we consider resistance to be detrimental or advantageous. According to the sciences it protects material to be worn out such as vehicle tyres, etc.Does that reflect in our lives as well? We resist things that make us uncomfortable and question our status quo.

Many revolutions have their beginnings with a humble resistance, which have resulted in monumental changes. Take a look at nature around us. Mountains, rocks, stones and minerals have stood the test of time and fury of weather. So have tall, old trees. Nature brings to us the message of tenacity and patience. So resistance comes naturally to us, human beings as we have emerged from the essence of the elements.

This has become an intrinsic part of our nature that we resist everything, oppose even the slightest chance of change. To the point that when the inner strength to fight dries up we look out for the path of least resistance in the journey of life as it is always comfortable and assuring.

The question to ask is why do we resist things which don’t fit into our sense of comfort. Why do we oppose the flow of life? Mountains do it to protect the land from extreme climate so do our habits formed through conditioning. They protect us from anything which may cause us to get out of our extremely comfortable zone such that we just stay put and don’t move forward.

But life flows like water, it doesn’t stop, finding its own way through open spaces, crevices or just by persistently pushing the stationery status. That is the real role of life, changing situations, conditions and emotions. How long can we hold on or push back?  The rock, one day gives in to the ever-tenacious water. That’s the similarity we draw with the difficult patterns in our life which bring anxiety, stress or pain. That’s when we should ask ourselves, what change am I resisting?

At some level resistance to change construes as violence, a very mild one though. But yes, violence towards oneself to persist the painful situations, to bring the self-inflicting injury by not looking at the other side of change. Why would life bring this on to you? What am I fearing? Is the gain bigger than the loss in the long run? And keep in mind that here we are not discussing mega life-changing revolutions but ordinary, daily patterns, which have inhibited us from reaching where we could have.

There is no ideal situation and hence flowing with the rhythm of life will keep us on the path carved out for us. Resisting this journey would mean waiting on the platform till one boards again. There are no rights or wrongs, however keep life’s string at the right tension. Not too rigid that it breaks on every upheaval and not too loose that anything can sway you. 

The light of all-knowing shines within us all the time. Resistance veils it, blinds us. Find the light within you.

 OFTEN WE RESIST EVEN WITHOUT BEING AWARE THAT WE ARE RESISTING… CAN YOU SHARE ONE POINT ON HOW TO BECOME AWARE OF RESISTANCE?