Acceptance by and large is such a simple word but what significance does it hold?
What happens in our system when we enter or are in the process of entering the ‘Acceptance’ phase?
What emotions are in play? What crucial factors do we take into account to purely ‘Accept’?
Acceptance is one magical word that will change the overall perspective in one’s life. Yet, it is also the most challenging one to embrace.
On close observation beneath ‘Non -Acceptance’ lies a deep sense of frustration, fear, and anger. All those negative emotions and feelings lead to the path of futility. It shuts down the overall thinking process as the mind is gripped with fear and anxiety. Non-acceptance is nothing but avoidance. But the reality is that only when we are attuned to whatever is happening around us that we master better coping skills.
I was fortunate to understand that I had started accepting things as they are and Covid gave me the opportunity to showcase it. While we Health Care Professionals are meant to deal with eventualities with a very calm demeanor, Covid tested us to the core. While I was all set to travel home in mid-March 2020, my father’s humble request to hold off any travels due to rising numbers took me aback. Well, naturally I was quite upset to abide by that decision yet I found myself quite grounded, my world didn’t crumble down. A few hours on and I was back to terms. I was, however, intrigued to know how things were to unfold in an ICU that had not witnessed something like this before.
I remember traveling to work the next day with an unusual feeling. Something in the air did not feel right… It was the air of Non-Acceptance that charged the environment with fear and anxiety…
Worry and uncertainty accompanied most of us sooner than later. There was this constant check of news that loomed with the possibility of a lockdown and disrupted life. Many plans, dreams, and hopes slowly getting trampled over. However, deep within me, there was this sense of peace and ease in the midst of chaos. I figured Acceptance came to me in a different way. It was the fact that YES something’s coming, something massive that will change the course of our lives, something before which we humans may have to bend. But along with it was the innate wisdom that whatever is coming we have no choice but to embrace it with open arms. There is no escape whatsoever. I felt mentally prepared for the upcoming storm.
As I walked through the unit to gather viewpoints of others’ perspectives of the unknown it dawned on me that there were gaps in mental preparation. These gaps I figured arose from a space of non-acceptance. It is quite natural to repulse to anything unpleasant or unknown but it comes with a price. It is like living in constant fear and worries and the what if’s.It creates a cloud of delusion that blurs the way and creates disharmony ahead.
HOW DO YOU WEATHER ANY STORMS IN LIFE?
‘Accept’ means being in touch with reality. It brings about a calmness that paves the way for clarity. Through Clarity comes openness and clear decision-making skills. Acceptance does not mean not acting on whatever arises. It simply means that our actions will arise from a place of deep wisdom.
The only antidote to avoidance is Acceptance. The reality is that only when we come to terms with the events that our internal system starts working with us and not against us. It simply means cherishing the moments and exploring the feeling of being grounded, to seek solace in an intelligence that rests within each one of us. When we enter this paradigm we continue the walk on the rocky roads without fear with the sight of the tunnel at the end of the road. We embrace patience and tolerance as we gradually gel with our individuality. It really broadens and changes our perspective in fluctuating times. It gives us a chance to pause, reflect and calm our nerves. It provides us with the leverage to witness the unfolding of events with grace. There are immense lessons to learn when we enter this phase.
I believe we as a generation are yet to witness many such events and changes in the coming decades but why witness from the seat of constant dilemma and distress?
Let us understand that every moment is in constant flux and we should aim to flow with grace rather than stagnate and stink. Believe that we are capable of witnessing and enduring any storm primarily by ‘Acceptance’ and eventually we take the leap. You will experience a sense of freedom from some emotional traps and fears that may have held us back from really enjoying the moment. What lies ahead in life is always mysterious but let curiosity hold a place in a positive way as we embrace the changing moments with sheer determination and openness.
Let us Accept and be at ease knowing that individually and then collectively there is immense strength to deal with life and the challenges that await us.
