“In fact, shifting from conditional, externally based self-esteem to unconditional, internally experienced self-esteem is primarily about letting go. As you let go of your resistance to the way things are, you relinquish unrealistic expectations that you can never meet and false interpretations that can never bring you ease” (Marotta, 2013, 92).
Inquiry
What are you resisting? Is it tied to unrealistic expectations or beliefs of how you “should” be?
Practice
For one day, notice your resistance. Whenever you’re trying too hard, fighting against what’s happening, or ignoring what’s happening, this is resistance. It’s the tendencies—clinging, aversion, and delusion—that forms the basis of suffering. Notice if it’s tied to unrealistic expectations or beliefs of how you “should” be.
This post is part of a series. If you haven’t already, please read my introduction to “Mindful Self-Esteem“.