On the subject of resistance
Yoga can teach us about resistance and the concept of letting go. The Cambridge Dictionary defines resistance as a force that acts to stop the progress of something or make it slower.
You might have experienced physical or psychological resistance during a yoga class, for example the ‘inability’ to do a posture because of physical limitations or a sense of anticipation for what is to come i.e. the inability to stay focused on the present moment. Well, guess what? We have all been there!
My suggestion to you next time you experience any kind of resistance in a class (or, for that matter, in life) is to try and let go. On a physical level, just accept that you are where you are and simply by allowing the body to release, you might be able to go further.
Emotionally, try to become aware of your resistance patterns (what are you thinking? What is bothering you right now?) and focus on the breath to become really present and let go of the story. It takes practice but the journey is mostly an enjoyable experience.
We all resist certain things and what I find fascinating is the discovery that comes with the awareness of that experience.
