As we move through an asana in hatha yoga or any other activity in our daily life, our mind is confronted with a choice to accept the state of our body and being, or to reject it. Our minds are well practiced at mediating situations in an attempt to create and anticipate an ideal outcome or scenario. For instance, one’s mind may get frustrated moving in and out of a yoga pose, or through some other routine of life, because in our mind’s eye, we feel we’re not doing it right. In Reality, however, we are exactly where we need to be – it requires no reaction or explanation. Why then do we allow the mind to create these doubts? Why do we invite it to identify a reason to question, without accepting the true nature and essence of what is present?
Acceptance does not mean giving in or giving up, but rather a simple acknowledgment of the moment. It is a willingness to be exactly where you are without attempting to change it through your minds lens. When you realize that you can be where you are with ease, then you also realize that you can also be who you are with ease, resolving all inner conflict.
When we are able to accept the simple movements of our daily life, we begin to accept ourselves on a deeper, more intimate level. This deep acknowledgment of truth within ourselves fosters an inherent approval for all those who surround us. Conflict is a choice and a state of mind; acceptance is resolution and a state of being. Be at peace with who and what you are, with full acceptance, and the garden of life will open into a playground of contentment.
Daily Reflections
Ask yourself. . .
What aspects of my daily life require my acceptance?
How can I acknowledge my daily state of being without allowing my mind to interrupt with self-doubt?
What am I trying to change in an attempt to deny what is present?