[Taliesan]

Yes, the 'downward tendency' is the necessary thrustblock against which we push to exercise the muscles of our desire for God. To yield to the downward tendency as a rule, is to waste the Grace (time) of God. A weightlifter would make little progress pumping feathers.

The downward tendency should not be resisted directly. To attempt it is to experience the despair of Romans 7.

The spiritual life is lived by cooperating with grace -- and voila! -- in some secret way the carnal man melts away. Sort of like walking on water. Sort of like leaven in a lump. Sort of like the wind blows.

[Eastbound]

"The downward tendency should not be resisted directly. To attempt it is to experience the despair of Romans 7."

Yes. To resist consciously is like trying to not think of an elephant. And yes, Grace coupled with desire for the higher goal, completion in God, is like floating away.