Resistance

May 27, 2011 | Wisdom, Yoga practices | 7 comments

The weather forecast for our area tells me that it’ll be 9 degrees overnight, with wind gusts of 10 km/h and maybe some more showers. I find these sort of days and nights very unpleasant.
I “rug up” as much as any human being can, layers and layers of polytherms, muffler, beanie, socks, ugh boots, and more. But when we get those mean southwesterly winds blowing callously across the island, I just want to go to ground.
On some level, I know that the more I resist the onset of winter, the more stressful I make it for myself. It’s like the painful way I get into the chilly surf – extremely slowly – instead of diving in and enjoying that briny, fresh feeling.
There was a saying around a while ago: resistance creates persistence. Instead of opening to a new experience, I tighten up, grit my teeth and wait for winter to pass.
I’m intending to not be so set in my stubborn ways and perhaps even welcome the change of the seasons. The truth is that I can fairly easily let go of resistance in yoga postures but I’m something like a raw beginner in adapting to cold weather.

7 Comments

  1. “Resistance creates persistence.” I’ve never looked at it that way before, but it’s so true.
    I used to hunker down during the winter months. On the first day of autumn last year I made a commitment to get outside for 30 minutes a day, every day, for a year. At first I resisted winter, but as I got to know winter, I eventually fell in love with the season. I have one more season to go, and it’s my least favorite (summer) once the heat and humidity kick in. Hopefully I will have learned my lesson with winter, and not resist. 🙂

    Reply
    • It’s like yoga poses. You just have to hang out with the ones you have an aversion to, until you befriend them. My friend Collyn says, then the poses change from being nasties to being nice. Are you from Ohio, Robin?

      Reply
      • Yes, I am. From the cold and snowy part of Ohio, although we do have hot and humid summers, too.
        I should have introduced myself since this was my first time commenting. I’ve been reading your blog for a while, learning and enjoying. 🙂

        Reply
        • What part of Ohio, Robin? I have family in Hudson and Cleveland. E.

          Reply
  2. Winter. Not so keen on the cold myself. But how could we ski without snow? And how good is a hot chocolate on a cold day? And the feeling of warm fire and a hot meal after a nice day of hurtling at great speed down a big hill with a couple of planks strapped onto your feet? Bring it on! 🙂

    Reply
    • Wonder how bionic hips would go on the ski slopes, Jen?

      Reply
  3. What a coincidence! I’m close to both Hudson and Cleveland, in a rural area near Kent and Akron.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Archives