Self Acceptance

I want to introduce someone in the spiritual world of teachers who I have been following and learning a lot from recently: Jeff Foster. His humble, and simple approach to spirituality makes so much sense. One of his main messages is that healing is not a destination. Healing happens in the moment when I accept all my feelings, thoughts and sensations. Healing happens when I give up on the obsession that I have about having to change, and get better. It is the self criticism and judgement that prevents me from moving forward.

I get caught up in the false thinking that once I am this way or that way, once I am successful or evolved or whatever the case may be, then I will love myself unconditionally.

Acceptance happens now. It is about allowing and embracing all of who I am, the dark and the light. I don't mean to say I should go explore my dark side, but when that side of mine does pop up as it inevitably will, then I can accept it, and let it go as gently as I can. It exists and without the darkness in me, there would be no light. I can let go of the fanciful notion that I will remain forever positive, and happy. All emotions are valid and must be allowed to exists in me.

I am forever changing. Every cell in my body is dying and being replaced by a new one. Impermanence is real in nature and in our bodies. Equanimity happens when I can accept this and remain centered, unattached to any particular thing, person, state or emotion. Noticing my emotions, my internal states is a huge help in detaching from them, and accepting their existence. When I am aware of my inner world, I can more easily let go old negative patterns that rise up when I want to escape from uncomfortable emotions, like jealousy, regret or self pity. Awareness is a big step towards self acceptance.

Here is a guided meditation by Jeff Foster that I love. It is such a great access to accepting the present moment fully and unconditionally: