Friday 1 November 2013

Resistance is Useless


Resistance is useless

On one of my recent birthdays I chose to visit the Dr Who exhibition with my family.  As we walked into one of the rooms a dalec turned towards us and said “Resisntance is useless!”  I laughed that such a profound spiritual teaching could come from this source!

I have heard this phrase in other sci-fi stories – of course it’s always the baddies who are saying it, hoping I suppose that the ‘victims’ will just surrender.  In real life, however, I’ve found that resistance can be what stands in the way of a happy and fulfilled life.

Change

Have you ever found yourself in the situation where you had a decision to make that could lead to something new or a change in your life?  Have you noticed a part of you that would prefer you not to make that change?  That part of you likes things as they are: apparently safe and comfortable.  It will tell you about all sorts of dangers that are lurking ahead if you make that change.  That’s the voice of your resistance speaking.

Resistance is tiring

What I’ve also heard from a spiritual teacher is that it’s resistance that makes us tired.  Like rocks that slow the flow of water, mental resistance inhibits the natural flow of life, creating difficulty and distress.  It doesn’t feel good when there’s resistance who what should be.

I’ve had an experience of that recently when I was invited to take on a new role.  I experienced a lot of resistance – which even kept me awake at night, so I was certainly tired as a result!  I had so many ‘good’ reasons not to make this change, yet I was not able to simply say no.  Over the years through my Reiki practice I have deepened my self knowledge, so I knew something else was going on.

Reiki helps

I found Reiki very helpful in my dilemma.  By doing distant treatment to the problem and treating myself I was able to bring my mind and body into a calmer state, which allowed me to see the resistance for what it was and gently let it go.

Personal Growth

Personal growth is one of the four aspects of Usui Shiki Ryoho that students of this system receive when they practice.  The ability to move through resistance, to transform it into forward momentum with the help of Reiki is one way that this is manifest.

Resistance is an expression of fear: of change, of loss and of loss of control for example.  It can also be a fear of personal growth.  You may be familiar with the words of Marianne Williamson that: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”  So the resistance we experience is often an attempt by the part of ourselves that believes it’s not safe or appropriate to reach for that power.  As Marianne goes on to say: “Your playing small does not serve the world.”

Over the years I have often seen my Reiki students overcome inner resistance to become more empowered in their lives, making choices that allow their light to shine.  The world is certainly a better place as a result!