Mindfulness, Change and Resistance to Change

We often say we want change, but when it comes down to it, we don't really want to put in the time, effort or work TO change.

Sometimes when we finally do start making changes, we backslide or self-sabotage, and then are tempted to just give up.

Both of these scenarios are resistance.

Why then if we want something different, are we so resistant in doing something differently?

Usually our resistance is sneaky, subtle and covert.

There are two main reasons for this, however: physical and emotional fear.

Physically, we are wired to resist change. Our amygdala perceives change as a threat to our physical survival. Our body reacts by producing stress hormones (the hormones for fear, fight, or flight). Our body is actually trying to keep us alive.

Emotionally, we also resist change. In this case, however, we are not trying to keep our body alive - our ego is trying to keep itself alive and intact. Any change (especially growth) is perceived as a potential death sentence to our fragile and insecure ego.

Awareness of these factors is more than half the battle.

If we are mindful of why we are doing the things we do on autopilot, we are more likely to catch ourselves and redirect.

One of the few certainties in life is that things are constantly changing.

We can willfully align ourselves to the process and unfolding, rather than digging our heels in and actively and futilely trying to resist it.