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Jul 20
37m 12s

266. Why Can't They? The High Cost of Re...

Dr. Jessie Mahoney and Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang
About this episode

Have you ever found yourself asking, Why can’t they just…? or Why are they doing this to me? These questions often swirl through our minds during frustrating moments on the road, at work, in our relationships, or even in response to news headlines and legislation. 

They come with a heavy emotional toll.

Today, we explore the actual cost of resisting reality. 

We share vulnerable personal stories, practical tools, and insights from lived experiences that help soften the inner storm and shift us toward mindful acceptance. 

You'll learn how to move from reactivity and depletion to intentional response and inner steadiness, even in the face of injustice, disappointment, or chaos.

This episode is a call to pause, feel, and choose love over resistance, without bypassing the hard stuff. 

We offer gentle practices and an empowering new lens to meet the human experience with compassion.

Pearls of Wisdom:

  • Resisting reality, whether in policy, traffic, or personal relationships, drains your emotional and energetic resources.

  • Acceptance isn’t resignation; it’s acknowledging what is so that you can choose your response with clarity and care.

  • Mindful practices like “R.A.I.N.” or “RainR” help you feel your emotions fully and shift out of resistance with grace.

  • Humor, curiosity, and generous narratives can support the acceptance process when feelings of anger or sadness feel overwhelming.

  • You can’t control others’ actions or thoughts, but you can ground yourself in your values and intentional responses.

Reflection Questions:

  • When I ask, “Why can’t they...?” how do I feel—empowered, or depleted?

  • What am I currently resisting—and what is it costing me?

  • How might I allow myself to feel my emotions without judgment?

  • What would a wise, compassionate next step look like?

Stay until the end for a calming, mindful moment designed to help you ground, release resistance, and gently return to a state of peace.

 


 

If this episode resonates and you're navigating resistance in your own life, join Jessie for a retreat where we practice letting go, feeling fully, and moving forward with strength and softness: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/retreats.

For 1:1 support on your journey toward inner steadiness, alignment, and healing, explore mindful coaching with Jessie at https://www.jessiemahoneymd.com/coaching.

To bring this kind of healing wisdom to your team, institution, or event, reach out to invite Dr. Jessie Mahoney or Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang to speak or lead a workshop:
Jessie: www.jessiemahoneymd.com/speaking
Ni-Cheng: www.awakenbreath.org

Nothing shared in the Healing Medicine Podcast is medical advice.

 

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