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Resistance is a doorway
Right now we are in the second module of our 12-week Awake & Aligned program, digging into the theme of “resistance to flow.” We’re excited to share some juicy nuggets from this module!
Resistance is a signal that says, there is something here for me to learn.
When something happens that we don’t like or didn’t expect, we can often brace, react, lash out, shut down, or turn away. Resistance can show up as avoiding a conversation, pushing away an emotion, or fighting change. It builds a fortress of protection that can give you a false sense of safety, but it also blocks your intuition and can make it hard to see the path ahead. We start creating from scarcity, anxiety, and scattered energy, and you drift out of alignment.
When you hold resistance in the body, you separate from your deeper truth and wisdom. You lose access to the guidance that is trying to lead you forward. You repeat old patterns and create similar cycles again and again. Held long enough, this tension can show up as chronic pain, illness, or a persistent feeling of being dimmed or tired.
Resistance teaches us that we are here for expansion and growth, not comfort and control.
Instead... what if you get curious?
Accept the present moment as if you had chosen it. You don’t have to like it or pretend it’s perfect. Just stop resisting what is already happening.
So much of life runs on autopilot, and you can miss opportunities for growth, gems of wisdom rising to the surface, and chances to see your default patterns. What if each moment of resistance was an invitation, a signal from the body saying, “there is something here for you to learn”?
Instead of reacting or retreating, you can pause and soften, letting presence create a new pathway. From there, you can express yourself in a way that is more aligned with your deeper wisdom and see solutions where you once felt stuck. The more you practice, the more you build self-trust and give voice to your truth. You can become aware of a fear or limiting belief that may be hidden in the shadows but running many of your decisions. With practice, you become more empowered in how you create your life, and that is healing on many levels.
This month, we make the challenge the curriculum. When resistance arises, instead of getting hooked in the situation, we anchor inside and let that take us on an illuminating journey.
This month’s practice: In-looping vs. out-looping
Two ways of directing attention can shift how we meet a difficult moment: In-looping and out-looping.
Out-looping is when our attention moves outward, focusing on external circumstances, other people, blame, or stories about what's happening rather than noticing our own inner experience. Somatically, when driven by stress, it can show up as shallow breathing, muscle tension, and a heightened nervous system. In life, it can keep us feeling stuck, reactive, disconnected from ourselves, and unable to see new perspectives, possibilities, or solutions.
Out-looping is putting all your energy on the other person or the problem. We get hooked “out there.”
Bracing and rehearsing “What am I going to say next?”
Shallow, constricted breathing
Squinting or bug-eyed staring
Difficulty seeing or feeling possibilities or solutions
Feeling stuck in resistance
In-looping is the practice of turning our attention inward, becoming curious about our breath, body sensations, emotions, and inner experience without judgment. Somatically, it can help regulate our nervous system, deepen intuition, build self-awareness, and strengthen our ability to respond rather than react. In life, it opens the door to greater clarity, self-trust, creativity, and conscious choice.
In-looping means we don’t get hooked out there. We anchor inside. It takes curiosity and commitment, and it builds:
Emotional resilience
Intuition
Authentic connection
Presence
Try It
Notice the signs of out-looping: held breath, tight jaw, narrowed eyes.
Pause. Take a slow breath and soften your gaze so you take in the whole room.
Anchor inside. Feel your feet, your belly, your breath. Let your attention include your body as well as the other person.
Get curious. Ask, What is this moment inviting me to learn?
Respond from that grounded place, rather than react.
Resistance isn’t the enemy. It’s the doorway.
From the heart,
Join us this month as we learn to tune our antennae together.
This month, we’re offering a variety of ways to gather, both in person and online. From weekly somatic movement classes to workshops to our digital studio with over 200 practices—you’ll find a space to connect, heal, and shine.
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We are Jill & Jessica – the Shine Sisters – your guides to living your shine every day.
With our 40+ years combined experience in certified dance, yoga, reiki and nutrition ~ we are here to build community, empower from within and help you live your best life!
