Committing to Yourself (and dealing with resistance)

There are many old patterns and programs within us. We are actually programmed to avoid anything that brings up unpleasant emotions and feelings and when they do arise, to seek out distractions that are considered more "fun", "pleasurable", "light", "easy", "gratifying" and "entertaining". This can take the form of reaching out for a candy bar, salty snacks, social media, partying, sex, tv....and the myriad of other options we conveniently have available to distract us from our inner work of becoming more conscious and whole.

After a while we realise and accept that no matter how many ways we have to distract ourselves, all these provide but temporary, if not fleeting moments of relief, after which those uncomfortable feelings surface again....be it lonliness, grief, emptiness, anxiety, depression, etc. Not to mention that many of these fleeting distractions often lead to problems of their own, like addictions, health and relationship problems, etc.

All emotions are normal and OK. Emotions are also part of our inner guidance system to signal met and unmet needs and values. Met needs and values stimulate pleasant emotions, whereas unmet needs and values stimulate unpleasant emotions.

Start to notice your feelings throughout the day and next time you find yourself feeling something unpleasant, just give yourself permission to stop, become still and ask yourself, "What is this emotion trying to tell me? What is the unmet need or value underlying this emotion?". Try embracing the unpleasant emotion like a newborn baby or a puppy who is feeling the same feeling. Imagine holding it tenderly, with compassion, understanding and an open heart.

Every time you allow yourself to go beyond the resistance and the discomfort and just allow yourself to hold space for whatever feeling is arising, tuning into underlying message of the emotion and finding healthy ways to embrace, feel and express your feelings (in non-harmful ways), rather than reaching for the next, easiest available distraction, you will connect more deeply to your authentic, core self and step into greater levels of self-empowerment and conscious living.

When the resistance comes, do something for yourself. Experiment with what works for you to release difficult feelings, be it by going for a walk, drawing, playing music, writing, dancing, meditating, or talking to a trusted adult.

This is what committing to yourself is all about. Committing to your next level in every area of your life. It's about committing to your energy, your being, you purpose and becoming whole, light and as fulfilled from within as possible.