What Are You Resisting?

Once upon a time, in my stage combat class, I learned how to fall properly.

One of the keys to a safe pratfall, is to flow with the movement, avoiding any resistance, as you roll into the fall. The resistance, which usually stems from fear, is actually where much of the potential for injury lies.

My very first fall was probably my best fall, the whole semester. As soon as I started freaking out about potential neck injuries, I locked up in resistance—until I learned how to relax into falling. The truth is, years later, long after my pratfall days have ended, I am still learning how to relax into falling.

I know I am not alone.

We resist movement. We resist falling. We resist change. We resist. We resist. We resist.

But, a well-lived life usually requires movement, falling and changing.

And, just like in stage combat class, it is not the fall, itself, that creates most of our suffering. It is the resistance to the fall.

An openness to movement, to falling, to changing, is at the root of social, cultural and spiritual evolution.

In these upcoming years, we will continue to be called upon to change and adapt—whether for global reasons, like changing our consumption habits, or for personal reasons, like family or health needs. And, there will be times where you, or your loved ones, will fall.

And, in these moments, I invite you to remember my stage combat class, and release the resistance. Even if that means allowing yourself to feel some accompanying pain.

We can flow with the movement of our evolution, or we can resist it. Fall in or fallout—you decide.

P.S. Remember, sometimes resistance, as in social and political resistance is healthy and necessary. Do not conflate the two concepts. As one of my friends reminded me, yoga can be a great teacher for learning when resistance is serving you.