Thursday, June 11, 2009

Resistance

 

I am a world-class resister.  If resistance were a sport, I would be slathered in Olympic gold.  And although I hold a doctorate in music, on some days I feel like I should hold a doctorate in resistance.

Here are a few things I’ve learned about resistance over the years:

First, resistance is a very good thing.  When you feel resistance, be grateful.  Resistance is a blessing.  Resistance is awesome.  Resistance is cool.  Resistance rocks!  Why?  Because resistance points you in the direction where you can make the most profound growth.  Resistance shows you a very specific place where you can create a magnificent transformation.

In my weight-release journey, the one aspect that I resisted the most was moving my body.   I loathed moving my body almost as much as I loathed my body itself.  And I could come up with any number of rationalizations that would allow me to remain entrenched in my sedentary lifestyle.  First, I was too busy.  I had no time.  I was working two and sometimes three jobs, and I just couldn’t find time to exercise.  And then, when I’d get home at night, the last thing in the world I wanted to to was go for a walk.  I also was totally embarrassed about my body and how I had let it deteriorate.  I didn’t want anyone to see me, much less see me moving.

But as I began to intentionally shift my view of my body, and as I began to intentionally think loving thoughts about myself, I began to consider how fantastically strong my body was for carrying around 45 extra pounds of weight.  And those positive, loving, compassionate thoughts about my body slowly began to do a number on my resistance.  As I began to see my body as worthy of attention and love, I began to really listen to her.  

Here’s what she said one day:

“Kristin, if you want me to weigh less, you’re going to have to move me more.”

“I don’t want to,” I whined.

She persisted. “Kristin, if you want me to weigh less, you’re going to have to move me more.  Why don’t we go for a walk?”

“Ugh.  I don’t want to.  I’m at work.  If we go for a walk, I’ll be all sweaty and sticky and gross when we get back,” my whine continued.

“Kristin, dear,” my body said.  “I love you, and I want to be there for you.  If you want us to weigh less, then both of us are going to have to move more.  Let’s go for a walk.  It’s a nice day!”

My resistance was, indeed, futile.  My body and I went for a walk. 

Within a few weeks, that 30-minute walk morphed into an hour-long walk.  Within a couple of months, that hour-long walk morphed into a 15-minute run.  And that 15-minute run morphed into running a half marathon.

What is the truth of resistance?  

Resistance gives you the opportunity for profound change.  

And with that profound change can come the realization of your deepest desires.


Up Next:  It’s All In Your Mind

And check out my FREE limited-time offer at my website:  http://fallinlovewithyourbody.com

 

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Lincoln, NE
Kristin Heslop, DMA, has gained and lost over a thousand pounds throughout her life. A musician by trade and training, Dr. Heslop attended Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. She holds a Master of Music degree from Wichita State University, and a doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Heslop has taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Concordia University, Union College, Wichita State University, and Enterprise Academy. She has performed on the flute, piano, harpsichord, and organ throughout the Midwest. In addition to music she derives great pleasure from political and environmental activism, creating visual art, and hearing her cat Lukas purr.