Acceptance, a word, that has come more and more into our everyday awareness but is it an easy cop out?

Although defined as the approval of something or being included, the art of practicing acceptance is very different.

As a Reiki Master and teacher one of the fundamental precepts of Reiki is “just for today I will be humble”. It is understood as being grateful for what you have, being in the present moment and letting go the need to be right or superior.  For me, practicing acceptance is closely entwined with being humble.

As we go through life we experience a huge range of situations, emotions and experiences.  Some of which may be difficult, challenging, make us feel angry and upset. We may fight against what we are experiencing, become resistance to change and create internal conflict.

What if we take a step back and see our situations as opportunities to learn? Could we change a habit or deal with it in a much more compassionate and understanding way?

 

What if we took time to consider why something has occurred?  Be curious, why has that happened to me now?  The time taken to consider this way of thinking about a situation will have an immediate physical effect by reducing stress, anger, inner turmoil and may prevent an escalation of automatic reactions either physically or mentally.
In a broader spiritual or energetic frame of being, situations happen for a reason, there is no such thing as coincidence.  We may not know immediately what an event is telling us or showing us but it has happened for a reason.

By letting go of “it’s not fair” why me” thoughts we can let go of judgement and accept the reality of the situation which can lead to choices of what to do next.  The what to do next may mean acceptance.

Recently, over a several week period, I experienced a few falls, illness and surgery for my dog.  My initial thoughts were “what was going on”?  What were all these situations telling me? After not understanding and going back into old ways of thinking I came to the conclusion that I was being given opportunities to slow down, practice patience and tolerance and ask for help.  It was also a wake-up call to be more mindful of practicing energetic cleansing within my home.

It’s been quite a challenge accepting this “difficult” 6-week period but by bringing my frame of mind into acceptance I was able to ask for help, shed tears, strengthen friendships and embrace patience.

So, when life throws up challenges, ask yourself what am I being shown, what is my learning and accept that this is how it is.