Be Here Now : Finding Acceptance
By Dr . Jennifer L . Yocum , Licensed Acupuncturist
Sometimes in life , things don ’ t go the way we planned . While we cannot always control what happens to us , we can control our reactions to those events and circumstances . How we react in times of stress , crisis , unknowing , or loss affects our mental and physical wellbeing . An important step in creating a state of inner peace is to find acceptance with life as it is showing up in this moment .
When we accept that things are the way that they are right now , we align ourselves with reality . It may seem dismissive to adopt an “ it is what it is ” attitude to your life , but
16 LakeTalk November 2023 realizing that current circumstances in fact exist does not mean you are being passive or putting yourself in the role of victim . Acceptance creates the space to allow yourself to feel and process emotions , rather than ignore them . Many people choose to resist life as it is showing up because they don ’ t want to feel difficult emotions . This only leads to more suffering . We are human beings , and we need to let ourselves experience the full range of emotions , especially when they are challenging .
Be Here Now This current moment is all we have . So many of us mentally live in the past or future , but this moment in time is where we are actually existing . We may want things to be different , but this is how they are right now . Take some time each day to feel the present moment . Remind yourself that you are here and breathing . Acknowledge that you are strong and resilient , and that things may be hard , and you are still here . Let emotions arise and flow through you . Tears may fall , you may decide to scream into a pillow , or you may want to curl into a ball . Allow it to happen . You are here , experiencing this moment .
Give Yourself Grace & Forgiveness If your friend or family member was suffering , you would never yell at them , chastise them , or otherwise verbally insult them . So why do we do this to ourselves so often ? You are