In relationships of all kinds, it’s natural to want to get closer, to grow together, and to connect more deeply. It’s also normal to have resistance to further opening that can fight fiercely and resist mightily. There are deep-seated places in each of us that refuse to budge and interpret opening as threatening or even dangerous. While our resistance is part of the process of evolution, how we handle it makes all of the difference between connecting more deeply or growing farther apart.
The key to connecting with others more deeply is first deepening our connection with ourselves. Connecting is not some blissful romantic feeling, or an affirmation of “I love myself.” Connecting is state in which we include our expansive openings as well as our resistance to it.
What happens for many well-intentioned people is that they subconsciously try to push away, override, or deny their resistance. This kind of self-rejection only serves to strengthen the resistance and defenses, causing us to blame and shame ourselves and each other.
Another easily made error is to try to accept the resistance intellectually. Real acceptance is an authentic emotional experience. When surrounded by the kindness and compassion of our self-acceptance, our resistance softens and serves to open more space for deeper connection. The more tenderly accepting we can be with ourselves, the more caring and close we can be with others.
In this workshop, Anamika and her partner Greg, will be sharing examples from their relationship about discovering how to include and accept resistance and the surprising openings that occur as a result.
In this workshop we will:
- Choose a relationship you’d like to deepen (it does not have to be romantic)
- Identify our deep-seated defenses
- Discover if we are rejecting them without realizing it
- Hold ourselves in kindness and acceptance
- Experience the power of inclusivity taking us deeper
The workshop lasts 90 minutes.
Community Members receive a 20% discount.
We’re happy when you’re inspired to share Anamika’s work with your family & friends. Please be aware that the cost is per person rather than per household or per computer. Thanks!
