How open are you to new ideas, ways of approaching things, and other points of view?

I consider myself to be very open when it comes to other points of view, knowing that the way they see things comes from their lived experience. I am curious and want to understand.

There is very little that triggers me other than people who are very judgemental and self-righteous….but I understand that even they are protecting themselves from having their own ideas challenged. It is a form of self-protection.

But there are other things that I have noticed I respond to with an automatic no thanks, at least at first.

Pychedelic therapy? No thanks

Cold plunging? No thanks

Ecstatic dance parties? No thanks

Roller coasters? Absolutely not!

When I look at this list I laugh out loud. So much of what we resist is actually an opportunity for growth and/or to expand our current view of ourselves.  We resist because we can't picture ourselves doing the thing, or we hold some fear around it. 

For a long time I resisted psychedelic therapy until I realized that while I did not see myself as someone who experiments with mind-altering substances, I did see myself as someone committed to my growth. A guided psychedelic journey was the next right step toward the growth I wanted and needed.

I resisted cold plunging mostly because I HATE to be cold.  Now that I've done it, I will probably do it again when the opportunity arises, but in the meantime, I've incorporated cold showers into my routine and appreciate the benefits.

I have yet to attend an ecstatic dance party (not a hard no but also not a hard yes) but have a feeling that's in my cards soon. I know that will be an expansive experience.

Roller Coasters are a hard no for me. I don't like how they make me feel. For a while, I felt like I was being stubborn and just resisting because of fear, but now I own it. Do not try to convince me to go on a roller coaster!

If we are willing to turn towards our discomfort, whether to an idea or an activity, we often find that there is an unlock in it for us - an unlock to more growth, expansion, possibility!  Being willing to work through our discomfort can be a window for us to expand our view, more deeply connect with humanity, and grow into the next-level version of ourselves.

This week I invite you to think about where you hold judgment or experience resistance towards something. 

Ask yourself:

Where do I hold judgement towards an idea or activity?

What is the root of my judgement? Why do I feel this way?

What could be on the other side if I were willing to turn towards my discomfort?

If I were to argue for the opposite view or for a reason to do this activity, where would I start?

As we get older, it is so important that we continue to grow and evolve. Yes, we need to nurture and care for our bodies, but our mind and consciousness are just as critical. I think to myself, I never want my daughter to say, “Oh mom, she's stuck in her ways. She's so stubborn. She's resistant to change."

It all begins with being aware of where we hold resistance or judgement. From there, we can consciously choose the most expansive path forward.

With love,

Kena ❤️
Kena Paranjape, Founder, All You Are