Acceptance

Today's message focuses on acceptance, a concept that's easy to grasp but often difficult to put into practice.  At its core, acceptance is about embracing whatever life throws our way, whether it's a personal flaw we dislike, an infuriating encounter with a stranger, or an unexpected compliment. It's about acknowledging reality as it is, without resistance.

However, our natural inclination isn't always to accept.  We often deny or react defensively to what we encounter. We might tell ourselves we're not lazy, just unmotivated. We might lash out at a driver who's trying to pass us, nearly causing an accident. Or we might brush aside a compliment, dismissing it as insincere. 

In essence, we deny what is.

Many of us struggle with self-acceptance. We might readily acknowledge some aspects of ourselves while stubbornly resisting others.  We might intellectually understand that denying our flaws only gives them more power, but still find it difficult to embrace ourselves completely, warts and all.

Deepak Chopra, the renowned physician and lecturer, offers a helpful perspective on acceptance. He suggests that we begin by recognizing the inherent duality within us. Our inner being, burdened by karmic baggage, is a complex tapestry of opposing energies. It's a place where the saint and the sinner, the sacred and the profane, the divine and the diabolical coexist. Accepting this duality, embracing the full spectrum of our being, allows us to release the need to judge others.

This idea is beautifully illustrated by the allegory of the man and his shadow.  Haunted by his shadow, the man tries to outrun it, but every step he takes only creates more shadow.  He runs faster and faster, ultimately exhausting himself to death. He fails to realize that simply standing under a tree would have eliminated his shadow, or that stillness would have prevented it from growing.

The allegory highlights the futility of denying our shadows. We all cast shadows; it's an inevitable part of being alive.  The real challenge lies in choosing how much power we give to those shadows. Can we stand firm and allow the light of acceptance to shine through?

Chopra's insights also reveal a connection between self-acceptance and our ability to accept others. The greatest gift we can offer another person is to accept them for who they are, without trying to change them.  This can be especially challenging with those closest to us, but it's a gift worth striving for.

Today's message encourages us to cultivate a deeper sense of acceptance, both for ourselves and for others.  In doing so, we're liable to find a profound sense of peace and inner harmony.

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