What's right about what's wrong?

Or, the Inquiry into Resistance practice.

Do you see my dog, Louie? She has raced ahead but she knows exactly where I am.

The Inquiry into Resistance practice allows us — "practioner" and "client" — to remember we are not actually in any hierarchy. We share in the practice equally, and it benefits us both. As with many of the somatic coaching practices, once you've learned it, you can use it on your own (or, in this case, with another partner).

There are three steps, all of which include each partner contributing.

1. Notice and list how we resist something that we know is good and right for us

2. Acknowledge the ways that we resist are right, how they served and still serve us

3. Notice and feel what it's like now that the resistances have been appreciated

The process typically takes about 30 minutes. If you have time and energy, it can be satisfying to do a longer version.

Inquiry into Resistance begins with our taking turns simply noticing how our resistance (around a particular topic) shows up. For example, if you have resistance to getting to work promptly, this may look like...texting your best friend, scrolling through social media feeds, online shopping, having a beer or cigarette, spacing out, mowing the lawn, eating, and on and on. Your list, which may not be as endless as it seems, will be particular to you! As mine is to me. When we take turns sharing, however, we often notice parallels and similarities. A spark of recognition, affection, connection.

The second step, which some people find difficult at first, is to appreciate your resistances. What could I possibly like about that pesky, destructive, compulsive—bad, bad, bad!!!—resistance? But as we practice together, you may find surprise and eventually amusement or delight at the clever ways your system has organized to keep you safe and well. Though those methods aren't exactly what serve you well now, their brilliance—and initial kindness—may become apparent.

The third and last step in Inquiry into Resistance is to notice—and feel—what it's like without the resistance. This is because, once we've acknowledged and appreciated it, the resistance softens and may even dissolve. (Occasionally, it never comes back!). This part is often delicious and deeply connecting.

Intrigued? I would love to share this with you! You can book a free round on my offerings page.