To Resist or Receive, Is that the Question?

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Permalink Reply by anne m. on August 21, 2008 at 6:06pm

I find that I have a problem with resisting and receiving. The more I resist negativity the more I receive negativity. The more I close up from what seem to be hurtful pain from others the more I get. The more I resist receiving the less I receive. It is hard to accept or receive good things from others. I am not sure if it is a "lack of deserving to receive" problem. The times I do receive good things I feel good, but then it feels wrong, like that should not be for me. I am new to LOA, and I do think your question will be helpful to many, who start to think about resisting and receiving. Perhaps we will learn how to receive good and resist the negative.

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Permalink Reply by Jill on August 21, 2008 at 8:00pm

Thanks for the comment Anne. New or not, this is such a big issue for SO many! It's hard to find the quiet place when you want something or need it in a big way. You are doing great by being aware of your own back and forth, awareness is the first step to change!

It's easy to get this idea in our heads or intellectually, but you can only let it in at what your comfort level is. That's why it's helpful to just stand still and practice that for a while, it's neutral and not loaded with our other "issues" about worthy and deserving.

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Permalink Reply by genevieve on August 22, 2008 at 6:33am

Hi Jill,

this idea is lovely, and it brings to mind a quote my father use to make (of John Milton the poet),

"He also serves, who only stands and waits"

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Permalink Reply by Jill on August 22, 2008 at 2:55pm

Awesome quote, it is hard to remember sometimes why we're here when faced with SO much we think we want. To serve is the ultimate goal, but not much good are we when we're thrashing around!

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Permalink Reply by Maryanne on August 21, 2008 at 9:59pm

That old saying " If you keep doing things the same way over and over again you'll keep getting the same results" seems to fit here. I am new to the concepts here and am finding myself in the middle of reacting to things as I " always used to do" - the awareness is coming and changing the behavior and the thoughts that flow in is challenging for me. Still I do believe I am starting to see positive changes all around me and that gives me hope that I am moving in the right direction in my life.

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Permalink Reply by Jill on August 22, 2008 at 2:58pm

Yea Maryanne!

One of the most frustrating things I've found is the fact that it all happens in small ways over time. I would love the big "aha" but time has told me what the vibrational theory states, you can't make big jumps. So you are right on the money with the awareness and noticing the changes.

I still have to laugh at myself when I react in the old ways knowing it will never work and then just having to let go of the temper tantrum or whatever, gone are the days of innocent reactions!

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Permalink Reply by YK on August 21, 2008 at 10:32pm

There is so much "want" and "desire". Yet, the stumbling block (whatever it may be). I am at that point. I truly am directed. I truly (in a way) know....there is something or someone holding me back...THAT is my resistance.

I have experience so much! So much good! I know LOA is there....IT is evident...I am living it....It IS happening!...IT is bringing me such joy...There is so much more...detailed....intricate....I feel as if I should molt...shed what is left..in order to be free...in order to BE To be still? I think we are all guilty of wanting to be still. At this time...My "still" time is upon wakening....

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Permalink Reply by Jill on August 22, 2008 at 2:59pm

Like the comment above, it is a process and we are not meant to be all there all at once. The good stuff is like the carrot leading us on to deeper and more real knowing of who and what we are.

Sounds like you are doing great! Yea!

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Permalink Reply by Melody Larson on August 21, 2008 at 11:58pm

"In between both resisting and receiving is another option. That option is to just stand still. Can you find the quiet place in your body and mind that is perfectly still, that is neither asking for something or resisting what is?"

I do believe, my dear Jill, that you have found the perfect "bridge action" (although its really non-action, isn't it?) for those who are ready to step away from the ledge of resistance but who are not yet quite able to leap all the way to receiving. Do you see this as shifting your focus away from your desire completely? That is what has worked for me. Just being in the moment, not asking for anything, not waiting for anything, not reacting to anything.

I like it!
Melody

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Permalink Reply by Jill on August 22, 2008 at 3:01pm

Nice use of the extended metaphor Melody:)

The stillness is more than moving away from the desire, ultimately it will allow what our higher self desires to come forth. And you are right, you can't hear yourself think when you are in "I want" mode. Eventually the "I want" will last a few seconds and the majority of time will be spent in the quiet place of assuredness of knowing it is, not asking, waiting, or wanting.

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Permalink Reply by frog on August 22, 2008 at 1:28am

Abraham talks about meditating for 10 to 15 minutes a day to lower resistance

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Permalink Reply by kevin connolly on August 22, 2008 at 8:16am

Jill:
I think you have some wonderfully valid points. Especially the third option. I think it gives one a starting point. ....but, I think what most will find is that their resistance will find them even in this quiet place. Some of us have spent the major portions of our lives using resistance to give our lives drama and thus some level of meaning. Letting go is often difficult. The phone will ring, the kids will decide now is a good time to argue, you'll have a itch on the tip of your nose, you just can't get your arms comfortable, you wanted to do it but gosh darn it something else came up or where'd the time go. It takes a lot of practice for some of us just to get the point of being able to let go.......cause even though we say we don't want it, this resistance has been our companion for a long time.

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