September 1 , 2010

In our church's classroom, there is a wall poster with a quote by Carl Jung that goes something like, what we resist, persists. I have found this to be so true in my life. When I get to a place that feels 'stuck', I look to see if I'm resisting something. Nearly always I find that I am!

Sometimes we find that resistance comes from a frustrated sense of what is 'supposed' to happen. When we have expectations that are not being met, we can easily move into any number of negative emotions. We can point, blame, criticize and condemn, all from that sense of 'rightness'. Our resistance appears as a reluctance to consider any other way but our own.

We might feel ourselves resisting a request from someone. If we feel tired, stressed, or overwhelmed with obligations, we probably won't want to take on more. It's easy to see why we would resist adding to our burdens.

We might even be resisting something that would be pleasant. If we are watching our waistlines, we often resist the urge to indulge in sweets. If we are working to free ourselves from debt, we might resist buying that new car this year.

As I've considered Jung's saying, I've come to believe that the answer in all cases is peace. When we can come to a place of peace, all the striving melts away. When we are truly peaceful, we view people, events and situations from an entirely different perspective. We can be more objective, less invested in 'our way', and more willing to look for a common good. True peace comes from within, and it dissolves anger, resentment, frustration, and all feelings of 'us and them'. When we are peaceful, we feel a connection with others. When we are peaceful, there is no resistance.

Our most powerful example of non-resistance comes from Jesus. He went through the accusations, condemnation and crucifixion with peace and forgiveness. He didn't fight back when the soldiers came to Gethsemane, he didn't argue his innocence when he was accused, and he asked God to forgive those who were crucifying him. He didn't resist. Jesus spent the night in prayer before the soldiers came. He knew what was his to do, and he did it willingly.

What we can learn from his example is that we can go to our Creator for our guidance, for strength, for peace and for all we need. We'll get the answers we want, and we can move confidently with that guidance. Things might not move completely smoothly, but when we are peaceful, we trust that all is in Divine Order. Another beautiful saying that is a powerful example of non-resistance is 'Nothing can disturb the calm peace of my soul." And so it is!