I was gifted a compilation of lectures and classes by master metaphysician Ernest Holmes, from the 1950s. What a joy it was for me to realize, once again, that the wisdom of our past is timeless. As a Science of Mind teacher myself, Holmes' words echo the profound teachings of the many New Thought leaders upon whose shoulders I stand. The text that follows is inspired by a 1959 lecture Ernest Holmes gave at Asilomar (a place of historic significance in Science of Mind circles). The message has been re-written and shortened by me.
In my own life, my sabbatical is nearing its end, and I am moved by the force of Life that has carried me through the last 6 weeks. In a society that says, "Work more and perform", it has taken some measure of determination on my part to rest and take time away from my desk and computer tasks. I know the rewards for all will be immeasurable as a result, however. Limitless possibilities continue to unfold .
Here is Holmes' message, now:
In our fast-paced, often confrontational world, the concept of non-resistance might seem counterintuitive. Yet, its principles hold surprising relevance for today, as we navigate the complexities of modern life.
Much like a surfer riding with the force of a wave rather than fighting against it, non-resistance is about aligning with the natural flow of Life. Ernest Holmes suggested there is a 'wave of life', which is the spiritual system of the universe; alive and aware. We are all interconnected parts of this greater whole. We can choose to harness that power or go another way.
By choosing that other way, we may often find ourselves battling against various aspects of life - work stress, relationship conflicts, societal expectations, or even our own thoughts and emotions. This is much like trying to swim upstream. Constant resistance can lead to what psychologists now call burnout, anxiety, and depression.
Modern neuroscience and psychology support many of Holmes' ideas. The concept of what he called "libido" (an emotional craving for self-expression) aligns with current understandings of "intrinsic motivation" and "self-actualization". Yet, the cultural message, so often, seems to be for us to disregard our inner selves in favour of following someone else's prescribed life pattern. Repressing our natural urges towards Divine expression, as so many of us do in our daily lives, can, indeed, lead to various forms of psychological distress.
Following societal trends at the expense of one's authentic self is the root of personal struggles, and it can manifest as the experience of rejection, guilt, insecurity, and anxiety. Sound familiar? Author and researcher, Brené Brown, addresses this felt experience in her work on vulnerability and shame resilience. She has said, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be, and embracing who we are.”
Non-resistance doesn't mean accepting harmful situations. Rather, it is about changing our perspectives. Instead of seeing challenges as obstacles to fight against, for instance, we can view them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. This shift in mindset is similar to the concept of "cognitive reframing", as introduced in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT - a widely used modern therapeutic approach).
Here are some strategies for experimenting with a practice of non-resistance in your own life:
1. Mindfulness: Explore being present 'in this moment', without judgment. Take 4 deep, conscious breaths, while focusing on feeling your feet on the ground.
2. Acceptance: Acknowledge your current situation without resistance. This doesn't mean giving up. Rather, it is more about conserving energy for constructive action. State the facts of your experience only, without embellishment and conjecture, and allow yourself to trust that more information will be revealed as required.
3. Flow with change: In our rapidly evolving world, adaptability is key. Embrace change instead of resisting it. Ask, "How can I incorporate this new idea into my life?"
4. Self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. As psychologist, Kristin Neff's research shows, self-compassion can significantly improve mental health and resilience. Speak reassuring words to yourself, as you would to a dear friend in need.
5. Transcend dualities: Move beyond black-and-white thinking. Life is full of nuances, and embracing this complexity can lead to greater understanding and peace. If it isn’t black and white, what might be another perspective?
For me, Ernest Holmes' ideas resonate within considerations of modern concepts of interconnectedness too - from global economies to social media networks. By recognizing our unique places within these larger systems, we clear space to begin to imagine how non-resistance could allow us to work within these forces and structures, rather than against them. True success isn't found through dominance or control. It is about cultivating understanding. It is about adapting and flowing. Think of how the most successful tech companies constantly evolve and pivot, or how the most innovative leaders inspire rather than command.
Each of us has unlimited potential. By practicing non-resistance, we open ourselves to this potential, allowing our natural creativity and abilities to flourish.
Non-resistance is a powerful tool that aids in navigating the challenges of life. It's not about collapsing into passivity. It is about aligning ourselves with the natural flow of Existence and harnessing its power. In doing so, we find that the obstacles we may have been struggling against begin to transform into stepping stones towards a more fulfilling, peaceful, and successful life. As we face the complexities of daily living, perhaps it's time to consider: what might happen if, instead of pushing against the current, we learned to surf the waves of life?