Resistance as an opportunity for personal growth

We often choose the safe path, but it is precisely when you go through resistance that you can grow. Whether it is physical or mental challenges, the reward and satisfaction when you push your limits is all the greater. Your body is stronger than you think and often it is your thoughts that tell you that you cannot or should not do something. With a positive mindset and confidence in yourself, you can take on any challenge.

My adventure in the Colombian jungle

Last January, my friend and I did a four-day jungle trek to the 'Lost City' in Colombia. In total, we walked 54 km in four days with steep slopes, rocks, wild rivers, and shaky broken bridges as a result of the heavy rainfall the month before. Initially, I thought, "fun, let's do it!" Until the evening before the trek, I did some research on what the days would look like and what I needed to bring. I came across a travel blog of a couple who hike all over the world. They described this hike as the toughest in South America. Oops. There was no turning back, so with good spirits, but also some nerves, we left for the jungle the next morning at 7 o'clock.

Physical and mental challenge

The trek turned out to be quite a challenge where we were tested physically and mentally. In short: it was scorching hot, my legs were completely sore on day 1, you were soaked with sweat all day (and nothing dries in the humid jungle climate), and insects buzzed around you. Sometimes there seemed to be no end to the steep slopes and rocks you had to climb over, and you ended the day with an ice-cold shower (or a jump from a waterfall, my biggest fear, but I'll save that story for another blog ;-). We got up every day at 5 o'clock after a bad night on a bed that felt like a plank with a fleece blanket for my crooked back. Then we had another tough 8-hour hike ahead of us.

Relaxing in resistance with your breath as an anchor

At times like these, I try to be very consciously present in my body, breathe calmly and deeply, surrender to the process, and relax in the resistance. I use my breath as an anchor to return to when it gets tough. Then I feel completely connected with myself and nature. Because no matter how endless and tough the road seemed, I knew I could do it. We had a super fun group and we pulled each other through when it got tough. The beautiful jungle paths, green mountains, clear rivers, waterfalls, and most beautiful views also helped us enormously to persevere.

The reward

On day three, after 1200 small, crooked stone steps (which is really much more than you think, especially with a fear of heights), we found the lost city. And it was so breathtakingly beautiful that it made all the uncomfortable moments completely worth it. If you dread something, literally and figuratively, but you reach the top, the reward and satisfaction are all the greater. And then we still had two days to go back. But so satisfied that we put on our wet, smelly clothes again with pleasure, full of gratitude and positive energy.

Confidence in yourself and a positive mindset

Often it is your thoughts that tell you that you cannot or should not do something. With a positive mindset and confidence in yourself, you can handle much more than you think. So if you find something exciting or dread something, do it anyway. Push yourself to push your limits and take on what you think you cannot do. Be present in your body and focus on breathing. Whether you are taking on a physical challenge, such as a hike with extreme cold, heat, or altitude, or facing a challenge in daily life, focusing on your breathing and bringing your attention to the present moment helps you to let go of your thoughts and become stronger.