Slow Down, or Soldier On
Where Resistance Meets Revolution
Do I contradict myself? Yes, yes I do.
I make a lot of noise here about slowing down. I believe it’s one of the single smartest, empowering things we can do.
I want to clarify and lightly contradict something here. Before I do, let me acknowledge what you might be thinking.
You might think: Ok, Mister Pocket, I’ll just start taking every single cue from my body and mind, and if I’m registering even a bit of overwhelm, or burnout, or goal confusion, I’m just going to take a break and navel-gaze.
Yes, any self-reflection practice and mindfulness exercise is 100% a good thing to bring into your life in greater quantity and quality. Sure, when we’re overwhelmed, intentionally creating space for restoration and slowing down is – like any other tool – possibly the just-right thing to do. There are indeed moments when we find ourselves truly not inclined to do the damn thing. Whether because of lethargy or burnout, it may very well be the interiority calling for self-care and shutting down to restore.
The Resistance Paradox
On the other hand, it may very well be the moment that could bring the greatest forward motion in your achievement. It’s a massive load of energy to suppress that inner drive, towards creativity or building something new or having a hard conversation.
Feeling some deep resistance? That could be a calling that you’re on the verge of something magnificent.
Many of us mistake discomfort for burnout.
I’m guilty of that. We surrender to the illusion of exhaustion. But the greatest breakthroughs come when you harness that tension, that friction.
We're creatures of narrative. We tell ourselves stories about who we are, what we're capable of. And often, those stories are limiting. We tell ourselves we're tired, we're overwhelmed, we're not ready. And sometimes, those stories become self-fulfilling prophecies. Overcoming the illusion of exhaustion requires rewriting those narratives, challenging our assumptions, and embracing the possibility of exceeding our perceived limits.
So, again, discernment is key: feel the resistance, clarify its call, heed its message.
The mission: become a skilled cartographer of the inner landscape.
As an Integral Coach, I've helped clients develop their own personal discernment compass, recognizing that this inner navigation system becomes more refined with practice and compassionate attention.
How do you discern between the voice of fear and the wisdom of rest?