“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” ― Ann Landers
Acceptance enables you act without carrying the burden of what you wish would be happening instead.
When we talk about acceptance, there is something present that we do not want. We cannot be talking about acceptance without the subject appearing as displeasing or unwanted. Acceptance has a tone of bearing what has happened. The course of our day has shifted by something unexpected. Loss, mistakes, failings done by self or another that changes our plans. “I wish it were not happening” are moments where acceptance shows up.
Let’s first take the degree of “not wanted”. It can be as small as a blunder or as large as illness, loss, and grief. Acceptance is required to move forward in any size. Standing resolute on the island of “I do not want this” keeps you from walking the road that will change the circumstances. Acceptance is a journey of taking your power and control back by participating with the reality that is happening. These are the same moments that hold possibility, miracles, and grace.
When we accept, we no longer fantasize another reality or compare what we have, to what we want. Acceptance is a place of power and clear thinking that brings attention to what we do have control over. When turning to acceptance, we put down the illusion of what we wanted instead. Doing this, acceptance enables choices and decisions by providing solid ground to stand on. When we do not accept, we are standing on shadows or wispy fantasy. When we accept, we are standing on what is happening and we can step toward our next choice. That is where true hope is.
Because acceptance ranges so greatly, try practicing acceptance in small amounts to see what happens. For instance, when was the last time you did a task with a lot of internal arguing? These heavy thoughts can range from incredulity to victim. It makes the task practically unbearable. Try out acceptance, “I accept that I am doing this task.” What opens up for you with this idea? I found the task became lighter when I chose to focus on the speed of completion rather than wishing for someone else to do it. I could control when I did it and how quickly I could complete it. It ended up being liberating to do it myself.
“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ― Lao Tzu
How does acceptance work?
It starts with the facts. This thing that I don’t want or like is here. What is it? It starts with naming it and bringing it to the light of day.
Is there a way I can make it easier? Is there support that I can ask for? What are the details that encompass this? What is in my control? When breaking down the process, the hardest and heaviest burden are fear, worry, doubt and resentment. Acceptance makes the situation lighter because I’m not fighting reality nor am I being led by burdened thinking.
Acceptance is being aware of the story I tell myself about what is happening. We believe what we tell ourselves. Doesn’t it make sense to actively tell ourselves a resilient story while we face the challenge that arrives? Acceptance is about dropping baggage or painful filters that make what we are facing harder. Acceptance can be a freeing practice. To start with what is to step toward what we want it to become is the practice of acceptance.
Would you like a chance to carve out your authentic steps? Reach out to explore your acceptance, freedom, and new ideas right now.
Namaste,
Laura