Observe Leaves for Three Minutes
Good Morning! Today’s practice is about learning to accept. We have discussed this before, but I find this is a lesson most of us need over and over again. Zen teaches us that attachment to things, to ideas, to the need for things to be a certain way-cause us to suffer. We have practiced the idea of radical acceptance. I want to clarify that rather than accepting the thing you do not like, the act of radical acceptance is largely about accepting your feelings about the thing, without pushing them away, judging them, or saying you shouldn’t have to feel them because the thing you are upset about shouldn’t have happened. How, you say, is this helpful? Well, it is our refusal to accept a feeling that keeps us trapped by it, stuck, bogged down in negative emotions. I will grant you it is no fun to feel painful emotions, but walking through them makes room for other more positive things.
The act of learning to experience things you didn’t expect or want—and the feelings that are associated with those things is a large part of mindfulness practice. Today’s practice will help you to accept parts of your experience that you cannot control without being resentful, controlling, angry, or feeling stuck. Acceptance frees us from unnecessary sadness, frustration, and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
After the practice is over. Sit for a minute to create recognition of your own calm, centered space. If you find yourself having difficulty accepting during the day, refocus with breath to stay connected and centered.
Be well!
Michele
