Dvesha is the yogic concept of aversion – and one of 5 root causes of suffering outlined in yogic philosophy. This is when we reject or avoid something because we perceive it to be unpleasant. There is a body-based component, a felt sense of bracing, holding, tension.
We don’t often think of discomfort as something to welcome. In fact, most of us go out of our way to avoid it. It’s totally normal to not want to repeat unpleasant experiences.
But what if, instead, we got curious the next time discomfort shows up? Curiosity opens the door to awareness. Awareness brings clarity. And clarity invites growth.
Discomfort can build resilience. It can help us discern when to soften into challenge—and when to honor our boundaries. It teaches us the difference between what’s stretching us and what’s harming us. The principles and practices of yoga show us how to change our relationship with discomfort. When we change our relationship with discomfort, possibility emerges.