Tara Brach writes, “For many of us, feelings of deficiency are right around the corner. It doesn’t take much–just hearing of someone else’s accomplishments, being criticized, getting into an argument, making a mistake at work–to make us feel that we are not okay. Beginning to understand how our lives have become ensnared in this trance of unworthiness is our first step toward reconnecting with who we really are and what it means to live fully.”
Radical Acceptance Is about the process of embracing our lives as they are. More fully, it is:
• Acceptance of things as they are.
• Understanding what we can and cannot control.
• Being non-judgmental.
• Looking at the facts of the situation without interpretation.
• Acknowledging our situation as it is.
• Letting go and not fighting against reality.
• An ability to tolerate the present moment, even if it’s painful or uncomfortable.
Through storytelling and meditation exercises to try at home, she leads us to trust our innate goodness, showing how we can develop the balance of clear-sightedness and compassion that is the essence of Radical Acceptance. Radical Acceptance does not mean self-indulgence or passivity. It does not mean that we accept bad behavior without questioning or concern. Instead it empowers genuine change from within: healing fear and shame and helping to build loving, authentic relationships. When we stop being criticizing ourselves and beating ourselves up, we are free to live fully in the moments of our lives.Through “radical acceptance” you can learn how to tolerate pain and discomfort, in the service of living a truly meaningful life.