Today was one of those days… I woke up late and wasted a lot of time playing video games and watching shows, basically doing nothing productive. The only silver lining? I cooked for myself, so at least I saved some money there. In the evening, I went to Lulu’s gig, which featured Mandarin pop songs. I helped him carry and set up equipment since his muscle issues prevented him from lifting heavy stuff. It felt good to be there for him and make sure he didn’t strain and hurt himself.
I was more focused tonight, both at the gig and afterward. The past few days have been chaotic, and I’ve been so distracted, not in a great mental space. Before bed, I did some meditation—something I hadn’t done in a long time.
Lately, I’ve been feeling a strange resistance to doing things I know are good for me, especially when it comes to long-term activities like meditation. It’s weird because I actually enjoy it, so why do I procrastinate?
ChatGPT’s Answer on the resistance of good things.
It’s common to experience resistance to activities like meditation, even when we know they’re good for us. This resistance can stem from several factors, rooted in both psychological and neurological responses.
- Brain Wiring and Avoidance: The brain, particularly the amygdala and limbic system, is more concerned with survival than with well-being. When we engage in long-term activities that require effort, the brain may interpret these as uncomfortable, triggering avoidance behaviors. This is because our brain is hardwired to favor what’s familiar and comfortable, making change (even positive change) feel threatening(Earn Learn Thrive)(Mindful).
- Resistance to Change: Neuroscience research suggests that resistance often arises from a part of the brain that activates during negative emotions and avoidance. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, is more active when we avoid uncomfortable activities, such as meditation. Over time, habitual avoidance strengthens this response, making it harder to break the cycle(Mindful).
- Emotional Avoidance: Resistance can also be tied to deeper emotional factors. For example, some people might resist activities like meditation if it brings up uncomfortable emotions or memories they unconsciously avoid. This avoidance can manifest as procrastination or reluctance, despite knowing the benefits(Wildmind).
- Managing Resistance: Experts suggest a mindful approach to resistance—acknowledging it without judgment, and gently observing the sensations or emotions that arise when you resist an activity. By being present with these feelings, they can become less of an obstacle and more of an object of meditation in itself(Wildmind)(Psychology).
This type of resistance is universal and not personal, but the key is understanding that it’s normal and manageable. By integrating small, manageable changes or practicing mindfulness around the resistance, you can help reduce its grip on your routine.
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