Fresh Start Monday #86: The practice of Acceptance
About a month ago, I started a new part-time gig working as a Mental Health Coach for a company called Lyra. It's been a great opportunity to learn a different coaching model, and work with clients that are coming to coaching for different goals than I'm used to.
Most clients come with higher scores and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in their work and personal lives. Today, I want to share one core Lyra principle I've learned about that I've utilized not only in my coaching, but also in my personal life to great effect.
The principle is called Acceptance. Acceptance means being open to your thoughts, feelings, and circumstances as they are.
The most important thing to note is that it's not approving, wanting, liking, or giving in to your current situation. It's about noticing our experiences as they are without our judgment as to what they should be. It means letting go of trying to control what can't be controlled.
Research shows that trying to escape or suppress thoughts/feelings can cause them to linger. It's where the phrase, "That which we resist, persists." comes from.
Acceptance may be something for you to practice if you notice yourself avoiding certain thoughts/feelings, trying to control your internal and external reality, or being judgmental of what comes up for you.
You can practice acceptance of your emotions and thoughts in the moment, the past and present as they are, and other people.
A metaphor that has really stuck with me is that your anxiety/anger/anything else you're feeling is like a beach ball in a swimming pool. You keep trying to push it down and it keeps popping up. What if you let it be?
Questions to consider as you start to notice your experience without getting caught in judgment:
What's that feeling like?
Where do you notice it in your body?
Are you willing to stay with that experience?
What if you didn't avoid your emotions?
Journal Prompts
Of all the things your mind tends to worry about, what do you have immediate control over?
What happens when you try to avoid or control anxiety?
Have you gotten rid of it after trying for so long?
Local to Boulder, CO?
Join us Tuesday (4/23) on Meetup for a free biweekly journaling group.
Thoughtful Tuesdays - Biweekly Journaling Group
Tuesday, April 23rd at 6pm MT. Location: Tonic Alchemy Lounge
Books
Currently reading:
Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples: Third Edition
Finished reading:
Training for the Uphill Athlete: A Manual for Mountain Runners and Ski Mountaineers
The 5AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life.
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