“The Buzz of Resistance: An Invitation to Listen Inwardly”
Have you ever noticed that quiet hum of hesitation? That subtle inner flutter before starting a task, making a call, or saying yes to something? I like to think of this as the buzz of resistance — not something to overcome or silence, but something to tend to gently.
A Gentle Reframe
Resistance isn’t a sign of failure.
It’s a signal. A nudge. A whisper from within saying: “Something needs attention.” “This doesn’t feel safe yet.” “I need a moment to catch up with myself.”
When we notice resistance, we’re actually being invited into deeper alignment with who we are — not just who we or others think we should be.
In the Coaching Space
In coaching, when a client tells me, “I haven’t done anything since our last session,” I don’t see it as a step backward. I see it as a doorway. A tender moment of pause. A chance to get curious — with care.
These moments are blossoming with opportunity. They open the space to explore:
What’s shifted since our last conversation?
Is the original goal still true?
What’s been tugging at your attention, energy, or heart?
Coaching doesn’t always move in straight lines — it flows, it pauses, it listens. So does growth.
In Everyday Life
Resistance might look like:
Scrolling endlessly when you intended to journal
Folding clothes when a tough email awaits ( yep, guilty)
Feeling unusually tired before a social event
Pause here and ask: What am I anticipating? Who or what feels challenging at this moment? Have I fallen into a well-worn pattern to keep the peace or avoid discomfort?
Our nervous system knows. Our body remembers. Our resistance often protects something very precious.
So, What’s This Buzz Really Saying?
When we meet resistance with kindness, not criticism, it softens.
It might be saying:
“I’m afraid of being judged.” “I don’t know if I’m ready.” “I want to be seen, but I don’t want to feel exposed.”
In these moments, we don’t need to push through. We need to listen through.
The 4 R’s of Moving Through Resistance
Reignite – Come back to what truly matters to you. Let your values be your compass, not external expectations. Reframe – Consider that this resistance might be wisdom, not weakness. What might it be protecting or pointing to? Redefine – Ask whether your goals or pace still serve the current version of you. It’s okay to evolve. Restore – Offer yourself compassion. Breathe. Remember you don’t have to earn your worth through constant doing.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, hesitant, or quietly avoiding something — perhaps now is the time to ask, What is my resistance trying to show me with love?
I’d love to hear from you — what helps you tune in when resistance shows up? What would it feel like to soften toward it, rather than power through?
And if you’re curious to explore this more deeply, I’ll be offering a gentle online workshop soon on “Compassionate Clarity” — a space to reflect, reframe, and make heart-led decisions that feel aligned. Watch this space
