Last week we talked about how self-acceptance is possible. In today’s blog we talk about the overall practice of acceptance. As we learn to allow and acknowledge different things about ourselves, we learn to be more accepting.
Acceptance is an action,
It is something we do, not just something we feel. It is also a practice, much like yoga or meditation. The more we do it, the easier it becomes. And because some days accepting ourselves (or others) can feel harder than others, so we get to keep practicing! This practice of acceptance leads us to being more accepting ourselves and those around us.
Acceptance: the agreement with a belief, idea or opinion, and, or the willingness to tolerate a difficult or unpleasant situation or idea.
This world is filled with differences, just like us. We all live with different experiences, different families, different schools, neighborhoods, countries, languages and more. We all have different bodies, different genes, different likes and dislikes, so learning to accept these differences allows for greater peace and contentment.
Practicing Acceptance
Here are few ways to think about practicing acceptance and yes, some may feel uncomfortable at first. Trying something new tends to be. Just be curious and compassionate to all yourself as you start this new practice.
- Difficult emotions. When anger, fear or jealousy arises, bring your attention to it. Breathe into it and notice where you feel it in your body. Allowing our self to shift our attention to the body detaches us from all the stories in our head connected to the emotion. Give yourself permission to feel the emotion within the body only. As you do, notice how the feelings may begin to subside.
- Resistance. When you resist something, your muscles tighten, your jaw may clench or you may hold your breath. Resistance is normal, practice allowing it to be okay. Take a few deep breaths. Accept that the resistance is there (staying non-judgmental) and as you continue to breath notice how your resistance slowly subsides.
- Your body. Stand naked or in just your underwear in front of a full-length mirror and notice your feelings. If you never would do something like that, notice and accept that too. Our bodies are all different and one thing is for sure, our bodies are always changing. They looked different ten years ago and will look different ten years from now. Learning to appreciate our bodies opens the door for acceptance. Our bodies are our own unique homes we live in. Since we cant move out, why not accept and appreciate it? For more on this check out this blog on self-acceptance
- Life conditions. Describe an area of your life that you wish were different and allow your feelings to arise. How would you wish it to be different? How can you look at this area of your life from a different perspective? We tend to see things in only one way. What are two or three more other ways you can look at this? Shifting the way you see something shifts the way you feel about it. Explore at least three other alternatives of what you are thinking about through writing or talking it through with someone you trust.
- Opinions. Write about a current situation about which you have strong feelings. We all see situations through our own experiences. It is no wonder a room full of people can watch a movie or attend an event and have completely different opinions. Know that it is okay to disagree with friends, family and organizations. When I finally realized that I ‘could agree to disagree’ with someone, I was able to listen, express, share and communicate in a way that was calm, confident and considerate. This practice allows us to respond rather than react.
Remember, acceptance is an action.
It is something do. How would it feel to accept all of you? Your emotions, opinions, your resistance, your life and your body? Acceptance offers peace and ease. It also increases confidence, connection and contentment.
If you want to join a private, empowering community of women who accept each other, regardless of weight, size and shape. And are practicing the act of self-acceptance every day, ask to join the Body Joyful Revolution.
