This blog is courtesy of my friend, Daniel Max, Nutrition and Health Counselor, Life and Wellness Coach, Massage Therapist specializing in Shiatsu, and a Yoga Instructor. www.MaxSenseOfSelf.com
As the end of January approaches, it becomes more difficult for many of us to keep our New Year’s resolutions. Fearing change we may begin to make excuses to keep us repeating old patterns.
We all have egos that endeavor to maintain a sense of control and do everything possible to prevent us from breaking out of our comfort zones.
Although we understand that it is time to take action and make changes, we often experience a strong resistance. Our ego whispers, “don’t bother. It’s too much work. Things are fine the way they are.”
As we begin applying ourselves towards creating change (getting fit, losing weight, quitting an unhealthy habit, prioritizing family and friends, becoming organized, etc.), the trapped energy within our bodies and minds begins to stir. Things swept under the rug rise to the surface, making change to be a somewhat difficult experience. This is when the voice of discouragement and doubt can grow louder.
The ego’s most common strategy is resistance; saying we are too tired or too busy to deal with such things, that we can do more constructive or enjoyable tasks. Ego manifests as reasoning to celebrate our weight loss with a cookie, or as an injury that occurs just as our new workout has become routine.
Resistance is like breathing, even if we don’t think about it, it just happens. The ego is not evil; It is just trying its best to keep us safe. Making changes in our lives and taking steps towards self-improvement can be overwhelming. The ego, rooted in fear, much like an overly protective parent, prefers us not to take any chances that might cause us to feel hurt. (more…)
