On Evolution

Growth and evolution are not the same.

Growth is incremental - an increase of what already exists.

Evolution is something else - a reconfiguration that opens up new possibilities.

And evolution doesn’t come from repeating what we already know.

It comes from crossing thresholds — those moments where resistance peaks.

In my last post, I wrote about this resistance - a force that appears the moment we decide to move. I’ve been thinking about how this plays out every time I study with my teacher, Ido Portal.

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In our day to day practice, we meet this resistance constantly.

Through it, we improve our strength, we build our coordination, we acquire new skills.

But rarely do we venture deep enough into the resistance to tug on deeper layers. The resistance stays simmering.

In an event with Ido, that resistance hits a critical mass.

By sustaining efforts in that unique context, something deeper begins to transform.

Evolution of Movement Potential

We’re not talking about anything esoteric, woo-woo or vague here.

We’re talking about our movement — our physicality, our bodies.

Which includes far more than how many chin-ups you can do or how long you can hold a handstand.

Because we’re not interested in maintenance, in a linear predictable  trajectory of growth — adding weight to our lifts, collecting new tricks — but in pursuing the evolution of our movement potential.

Take strength, for example.

At first, we thought of it as the ability to lift weight.

Then it expanded — gymnastic strength, then organic strength, connectivity, etc.

Each step was a small evolution: first you become open to new possibilities — new ways to feel weak. And in that discovery, evolution begins again, allowing growth to unfold anew.

As we work through these layers, the depth and surface area of our real strength expand.

Ingredients for a Paradigm Shift

But this process requires letting go of prior models — or at least to our religious devotion to them.

That release generates resistance at many layers — physical, emotional, conceptual.

This is what paradigm shift is about.

And every event with Ido is a paradigm shift.

So treat this as a reminder for all of us, to consider what (and which version of ourselves) exists on the far side of resistance.

On Resistance

Movement and practice - both involve an experience of resistance.

What is Resistance?

Resistance is the force that arises the moment intention does - the intention to move, or to engage in practice.

It doesn’t show up until the intention arises, but as sure as pushing on a wall makes it push back, this resistance appears.

The moment you desired, the universe began pushing back.

It’s not an evil force. It’s just a property of the universe; by other names we might call it inertia, or homeostasis.

Work Through Resistance.

Movement practice gives us a container to work with this abstract idea - to develop the taste to recognize these moments and the capacity to work through them.

Because to grow and evolve, we MUST work through them. There’s no other vector of meaningful development.

When you want to skip a session, the mind will construct so many rationalizations.
These are the voice of resistance, and the trouble is it often speaks in “truth”.

Yes, you are sore.
Yes, you didn’t sleep well.
Yes, the dishes need washing and there is an unread book on the shelf and a full inbox.

All true.

But the mind has a skill for turning truths into self-deception, the most destructive lie.

Because you can modify your practice session.
Because the dishes and books and emails will wait.
Because practicing tired is just as powerful, or moreso.

The Gift of Resistance

Let’s leave the demonizing to the storybooks: in truth, resistance is a gift.

If there was no property of inertia in the universe, lifting weight couldn’t make your muscles stronger.

If there was no property of friction, taking a step wouldn’t move you forward.

And without this resistance, showing up for your session day after day couldn’t transform you.