Self-Care Methods for Awakening Acceptance

In The Art of Power, Thich Nhat Hanh writes, “You don't need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” Sounds easy enough, but why is it so very difficult?

It is part of our nature to strive and want ourselves and others to be better, brighter, and well… just different. I’ve taught many classes on both pain and our (almost) knee-jerk reaction to rid ourselves of that pain at any cost. How would life—and our experience of it—feel different if we accepted the reality of what was happening within and around us? What if we could accept where we were emotionally, mentally, intellectually, financially, etc.? This is not to say we are ignoring or condoning something that is harmful to ourselves or others. Rather, it means that we choose to accept whatever is—and to act in a way that honors our best self. This moves us into a place where the acceptance itself transforms our experience into one of peace rather than fear, resistance, or dread. And when physical or emotional pain arises, simply say, “I accept.” “I accept you, thought,” “I accept you, pain”, and I accept you—you!

I believe acceptance is our first step in healing everything that comes after a difficult situation, feeling, or condition.

In this class, we will learn which steps to take to begin the process of accepting ourselves, others, and whatever situation life throws our way. Specifically, we will learn the self-care tools that can help us make the leap from wanting to ignore, detach, be cruel, or push away a state, person, or experience toward wanting to meet the same state, person, or experience with humility, compassion, and love.