Embracing the Present: How Resistance to Experience Fuels Stress and Anxiety, and the Role of Somatics in Finding Relief

In most of the world, stress and anxiety have become ubiquitous. These mental states affect our emotional well-being and profoundly affect our physical health. A crucial aspect often overlooked is the direct correlation between resisting our current experience and the intensification of stress and anxiety. Understanding this connection is vital, as it opens the door to effective strategies for managing these conditions. One strategy is somatics, which focuses on reducing our resistance to the present moment rather than attempting to eliminate stress. This approach offers a pathway to relieve suffering by embracing What Is rather than fighting against it.

The Nature of Resistance

In psychological terms, resistance refers to the pushback against our current experience. It is the internal struggle against what is happening in the present moment. This can manifest in various ways, such as denial, anxiety, frustration, a feeling of being stuck, avoidance, or a refusal to accept reality. While it is natural to want to escape uncomfortable or painful situations, this resistance often exacerbates stress and anxiety.

When we resist our current experience, we create a gap between reality and our expectations. This gap is fertile ground for stress and anxiety to thrive. For example, suppose you are stuck in traffic and resist the truth of the situation by constantly checking the time and worrying about being late. In that case, your stress levels will likely skyrocket. On the other hand, accepting the situation as it is can reduce the tension and make the experience more bearable, even pleasant.

The Cycle of Stress and Resistance

The relationship between stress and resistance is cyclical. When we encounter a stressful situation, our instinctual response is often to resist it. This resistance, which happens in our body on a subcortical level (below or before the thinking mind can step in), heightens our stress levels, making us more resistant to the experience. This is why we can't talk ourselves out of it. Have you ever told yourself or someone else to "just calm down"? How did that work for you or them? This cycle can quickly spiral out of control, leading to chronic stress and anxiety.

The key to breaking this cycle lies in reducing resistance. By accepting our current experience, we can mitigate the stress response and prevent it from escalating. This does not mean not taking action to prevent or stop harm or discomfort. It means taking action, when necessary, from a place of more profound wisdom and intuition. This is where somatics comes into play.

Understanding Somatics

Somatics is a field that emphasizes the connection between the mind and the body. It is based on the principle that our mental states are reflected in our physical bodies and vice versa. Somatic practices aim to increase awareness of this mind-body connection, allowing us to understand better and manage our experiences.

Somatic practices include a wide range of techniques, such as body scanning, breath work, and mindful movement. These practices encourage us to tune into our bodily sensations and become more aware of how our bodies respond to stress. By fostering this awareness, somatics helps us reduce resistance to our current experience and, consequently, stress and anxiety.

Somatics and the Present Moment

One of the core tenets of somatics is the focus on the felt sense of the present moment. By bringing our attention to the here and now (orienting), we can break free from the habitual patterns of resistance that contribute to stress and anxiety. This does not mean we ignore or suppress our feelings; instead, it involves acknowledging and accepting them without judgment.

For instance, a common somatic practice is body scanning, where you systematically focus on different parts of your body, noticing any sensations without trying to change them. This practice helps to cultivate a sense of presence and acceptance. By becoming more attuned to our bodily sensations, we can recognize the early signs of stress and respond more effectively rather than reacting unconsciously with resistance.

Reducing Resistance through Somatics

Somatics is not about removing stress but reducing our resistance to stress and the present moment. This distinction is crucial. Stress is an inevitable part of life, and trying to eliminate it entirely is unrealistic. However, by reducing our resistance to stress, we can significantly diminish the suffering it causes.

Mindful Movement

Mindful movement practices, such as yoga (especially yin yoga), qigong, or tai chi, are integral to somatics. These practices involve slow, deliberate movements that are synchronized with the breath. The emphasis is on being present with each movement and sensation, fostering a deep connection with the body. This can help to reduce the resistance to physical discomfort and build resilience against stress.

Breathwork

Breathwork is another powerful somatic practice. By paying attention to our breath, we can regulate our nervous system and bring ourselves into a state of calm. Techniques such as deep diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the stress response. This helps to reduce resistance by grounding us in the present moment and allowing us to face stress with greater stability.

Body Awareness

Body awareness exercises, such as progressive muscle relaxation or body scanning, are fundamental in somatics. These practices involve focusing on different parts of the body and noticing sensations, tension, or areas of relaxation. By becoming more aware of our bodily sensations, we can identify where we hold stress and consciously release it. This awareness reduces resistance by fostering acceptance of our current physical state.

The Benefits of Reduced Resistance

Reducing resistance to our current experience through somatics has profound benefits for our mental and physical health. When we stop fighting against what is happening, we conserve energy that would otherwise be spent on resistance. This energy can then be redirected towards more productive and positive pursuits.

Enhanced Emotional Regulation

By accepting our present experience, we can better regulate our emotions. This does not mean suppressing negative emotions but acknowledging and allowing them to pass without getting caught up in them. This can lead to a more balanced emotional state and a reduction in the intensity and duration of stress and anxiety episodes.

Improved Physical Health

Chronic stress has been linked to numerous health problems, including cardiovascular disease, digestive issues, and weakened immune function. By reducing resistance and managing stress more effectively, we can improve our overall physical health. Somatic exercises can promote relaxation, reduce tension, lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and boost immune function.

Greater Resilience

One of the most significant benefits of somatic practices is the development of resilience. By learning to accept and navigate stressful situations without resistance, we become more resilient to future stressors. This resilience enables us to handle life’s challenges with greater ease and less suffering.

Practical Steps to Incorporate Somatics into Daily Life

Incorporating somatic practices into your daily routine does not require a significant time commitment. Here are some simple steps to get started:

Morning Body Scan

Begin your day with a quick body scan. Spend a few minutes lying in bed, focusing on different parts of your body, and noticing any sensations. This practice sets a tone of awareness and presence for the day ahead.

Mindful Breathing Breaks

Throughout the day, take short breaks to focus on your breath. For a few minutes, practice deep diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing. This can help reset your nervous system and reduce accumulated stress.

Evening Movement Practice

Incorporate a mindful movement practice, such as yin yoga or gentle stretching, into your evening routine. This can help to release physical tension and promote relaxation before bedtime.

Regular Check-ins

Set reminders to check in with your body and mind at regular intervals. Notice any areas of tension or stress and consciously release them. This practice can help to prevent the buildup of stress and reduce resistance throughout the day.

Conclusion

The direct correlation between resisting our current experience and the intensification of stress and anxiety highlights the importance of acceptance and presence. Somatics offers a powerful approach to reducing this resistance by fostering a deeper connection between the mind and body. By incorporating somatic practices into our daily lives, we can reduce our resistance to stress and the present moment, thereby reducing the suffering that stress causes. Embracing what is, rather than fighting against it, opens the door to a more peaceful and resilient existence.

Book a free Discovery Call today if you'd like to explore how somatics can help you work with your stress and anxiety, allowing you to reduce resistance to the present moment and begin to thrive in the fullest expression of yourself.