I put a load of delicate laundry in the wash earlier today. None of it was appropriate for the dryer; every piece had to be manually turned right side out and carefully hung. When the washer finished its cycle, I heard it, but I actively ignored it. “This can wait until later,” my mind said. In that, was the first whisper of resistance.
Later on, it occurred to me that there was still damp, delicate laundry that required my attention, but I had only a few minutes before I had to leave home. “This can wait until later, but I definitely need to get to this!” In that, was the second statement of resistance.
Later still, I was getting ready to settle into a block of relaxing free time. I wanted nothing more than to curl up in my chair, put my feet up, and watch a TV show. It occurred to me yet again that there was laundry that needed tending. This time, there was no more well reasoned, logical “later,” so my mind said, “Uuuuh! The stupid laundry! I don’t want to do this right now! I’m tired, and I just want to sit down for a couple minutes!” In that, was the final shout of resistance.
Interestingly, instead of jamming headphones in my ears and bribing myself with the carrot of “you can listen to an audiobook while you get this done,” (which feels like more resistance), I opened to the resistance with curiosity. Within the cacophony of my mind’s frustration and complaint, there was also deep intrigue…
Why was resistance arising around this simple act of hanging some laundry?
What was the resistance made of?
How would it look and feel to invite it in with a welcoming, open heart instead of pushing through it and gritting my teeth through the task because I had to?
So, I went about the business of hanging laundry with quiet presence and open curiosity. I discovered the resistance to doing the task wasn’t a solid thing at all. When I really, unabashedly, boldly smiled and stuck out my hand to greet Resistance, I didn’t receive a handshake back; nor did I receive a punch in the gut. Turns out, I was greeting and welcoming a whole lot of thought with some whiney, disappointed, toddler-like energy attached. And as I slowly and carefully hung my leggings, dresses, and sweaters to dry, I felt that energy dissolve.
Now I get to sit with my feet up and watch my show with the knowledge that my laundry is done, and that curiosity in the face of resistance is powerful!