Resistance only leads to more suffering from "summary" of Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
When we resist what is happening in our lives, we create an inner tension that only serves to amplify our suffering. Our natural inclination is to push away what causes us discomfort or pain, but in doing so, we unknowingly prolong our own agony. By resisting reality, we are essentially fighting against the current of our experiences, which only exhausts us and deepens our sense of helplessness.
Resistance can take many forms - denial, avoidance, anger, blaming - but they all stem from the same underlying fear of facing the truth of our circumstances. This fear traps us in a cycle of suffering, as we expend our energy trying to control or change what cannot be controlled or changed. We become caught up in a battle that has no chance of being won, leaving us feeling defeated and overwhelmed.
The more we resist, the more we feed into our own suffering. It is a vicious cycle that perpetuates itself, leaving us feeling trapped and powerless. In order to break free from this cycle, we must learn to accept what is, even if it is not what we desire or wish for. Through radical acceptance, we can release ourselves from the grip of resistance and open ourselves up to the possibilities of healing and transformation.
When we embrace what is, we allow ourselves to move with the flow of life rather than against it. We find a sense of peace and freedom in accepting things as they are, even if they are difficult or painful. In this acceptance, we discover a new way of being that is rooted in compassion and self-love. We no longer need to struggle against ourselves or others, but instead can find a sense of ease and grace in the midst of life's challenges.
By letting go of resistance and embracing acceptance, we can begin to heal the wounds that have kept us trapped in suffering. We can cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience that allows us to navigate life's difficulties with grace and courage. In accepting what is, we find a path to liberation from the cycle of suffering that has held us captive for so long.
