Resisting Resistance
Updated: Mar 27, 2021
According to the teachings of Kabbalah, resistance occurs when we live from a perspective of receiving, rather than from one of sharing, or giving. When we are self-motivated, our ego is activated. In Kabbalistic thought, our ego is considered "the enemy". Kabbalist perspective considers that ego doesn't serve an individual when their intention is to receive alone, because the spirit grows through selfless acts of charity. Purpose then is to seek self-realization, with the intention of finding a place in the web of life that is of service to others.
This self-realization, or awakening process has an ebb and a flow where an individual will experience stops and starts in the process of internal change. Consider this part of a cycle where one uses the peaks to learn, or grow, and uses the valleys to become stronger while utilizing lessons learned.
Self-sabotage is a huge part of resistance, because we resist change, we resist self-reflection that reveals our shadow. When this position is held it eliminates effort to uncover the subconscious abyss that rules human behaviour. Carl Gustav Jung explains this with his statement: "One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious."
Self-sabotage is a fear based response, that stems from subconscious beliefs. The best response to this is addressing the subconscious programs embedded in the mind that creates the behaviours that promote self-sabotage. Choosing to be aware of self-talk, assists with uncovering the root cause of negative behaviours, and metal blocks. When a person is feeling as if they are out of their comfort zone, they are flexing the muscles they need to challenge internal beliefs, and are taking a step in the right direction to conquering old habits that create roadblocks to progress. The more discomfort, the more opportunity to grow.
Self-worth is an important step to self-realization. It's important that a person believes in themselves, that they deserve everything they desire, and that anything is achievable when effort is applied. It's also important to believe one is worthy of their life purpose, and success. If an individual doesn't believe this, they may fall victim to their own self-sabotaging behaviours that impede their ability to achieve what they desire.
Another important step is learning to manage fear. To do this an individual must feel the fear, and forge ahead, or do what their fear is trying to steer them away from. I don't recommend jumping over a fence that has a "beware of dog" sign. This type of fear is meant to keep us safe, but some fear is false evidence appearing real that promotes self-sabotage, for example, fearing what other people think about image, when we are making plans to start working out. By dissecting thoughts, we are better prepared to put an end to negative self-talk that may halt progress. Procrastination is a form of fear. Everyone has their own subconscious reasons for procrastination, however, the longer one takes to accomplish that which they strive to do, the more anguish they create, which creates further erosion to self-worth.
The best advice is to forge ahead, and avoid letting the voice that is a weaker version of your best self tell you it's time to give up. This is a good time to focus on conquering the shadow aspects of personality that are self-defeating. It's a good time to be your best self, take action, make goals, and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Allow yourself to receive success, and abundance in the process of sharing your talents with humanity.
