There's a concept in yoga that the key to progress, most often, is removing an obstacle. Remove the blockage, and then progress will come naturally and effortlessly. In contrast, trying to force past, or overpower the impediment can often lead to greater harm.
Often, my first response is to work harder. It happens with the trumpet - if the lips aren't vibrating well and producing sound easily, then blow harder. If a door is sticking, push harder. If a coworker is resisting a task or suggestion, become more insistent. More often than not, there's some movement toward the goal I want, and that reinforces the idea that the way past an obstacle is to push, to force, to overcome it somehow. But there's always a downside to forcing.
Forcing the sound on a trumpet makes it harsh, builds tension, and ruins endurance and sound. Forcing a moving part can damage it. Pushing past resistance with people can strain relationships.
Yoga teaches to focus on the blockage, and work to reduce its strength or remove it entirely. When the obstacle is gone, energy flows easily and results are attained without strain.
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