Embrace the Uncomfortable, Accept & Let Go

What is your first reaction when you experience change, struggle and discomfort? Is it one of rejection, frustration and resistance? Or do you embrace it with an openness, inner resilience and acceptance?

I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we have all had to lean into some sort of acceptance with everything that has been going on in the world this past year. Acceptance of a new world with its new rules and uncomfortable ways of living.

We have been forced to adapt and change. Whether it is adapting to restricted living arrangements because of Covid, adapting to others’ unpleasant reactions, or adapting to any other external event out of your control. You one of two choices – to resist what is and exhaust your energy trying to control something that isn’t controllable or learn how to cultivate acceptance and ease the moment.

As human beings we are wired to seek what is comfortable and familiar and automatically reject what isn’t. The more we resist what is in front of us, the more it persists. By resisting each moment, we are actually creating more of what we don’t want because all we are focused on is just that.

Have you ever been so annoyed at getting every red traffic light, that you hit every single one thereafter without fail? Or have you ever tried to avoid your hurt feelings until you reach breaking point and burst into tears at the most inappropriate time? The more we focus on what we don’t want the more it amplifies – emotionally, mentally, physically and energetically.

When we accept and surrender to the present moment, our energy opens up and expands and we flow in life again. Learning to lean into discomfort with acceptance takes practice. It takes awareness, courage, and a willingness to be uncomfortable no matter how big or small it is. When we choose to resist rather than accept we create more suffering for ourselves than necessary.

“The key to happiness is letting each situation be what it is, instead of what you think it should be.” – Mandy Hale

Lean into Acceptance and Let Go in 3 Simple Steps

Acceptance doesn’t have to be hard, but it is a practice, a mindful practice. All you have to do is accept what is right now and let go. Sound simple? Here’s how:

1. Recognise your moment of resistance. You might recognise it because you’re feeling frustrated, angry, resentful or fearful because of something that is out of your control. Recognise how you’re feeling and acknowledge it.

2. Shift your focus by taking a deep breath in, dropping out of your head and into your body and relaxing every muscle on your breath out.

3. Allow your body to relax and say “I choose to accept this moment.” “I choose to accept what is.” “I am okay.”

Repeat! You might find yourself practising choosing acceptance when you have a tonne of dishes to do, when you haven’t ticked off all those to-do’s, when you’re in pain, when the kids are making a huge mess, or when others are behaving and responding in a way that irks you. Whatever it is, lean into acceptance of what is in those moments, big or small.

Choose to be like the sky and let the thoughts and emotions pass on by like the clouds. You are not your thoughts. You are not your feelings. You are the sky watching those thoughts and feelings, they do not control you.

Learn to embrace acceptance, let go and notice how life flows again and you can find peace amongst the struggle and discomfort.

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