For some, the word “acceptance” implies a giving up, a kind of spirit-less resignation. An excitingly conscious point of view is to see acceptance as an opportunity to be with “what is” and use the circumstance as a way to get free and move on!.
When I say, “get free”, I mean free of the suffering that is generated by thinking that things should be other than they are.
It’s not that I can’t want things to be different, or desire positive change, what it is, is really about, “what is”, as the primary point of reference. When I’m stuck in traffic - this is what’s happening. Like it or no, stuck in traffic is what’s going on. I can fume, rant and wear myself out or, I can choose to get creative on how I can make use of the time, given that traffic is what’s happening!
Easy to do? Generally not, but if I’m the one who’s exhausting myself through my upset, why not make another choice? Here’s one other option besides making phone calls:
Align your spine. Inhale deeply and exhale blowing out the air in a “whoosh” - do this a few times while imagining that you’re releasing tension and stress from your lower back and out through your tailbone. Press your lower back against the backrest on the exhale, letting it release with the inhale.
Next, experiment with breathing into your back so that you feel your back muscles and ribs stretching behind you. When you exhale, expel even more air to create space for a deeper, more complete, inhalation. If you’re really ready to feel free and liberated, let go with several vocalized, “Aaaahhh!”, sounds and invite your whole inner body to release. You will now be a far more alert member of the driving community and certainly more oxygenated!
You can apply this exercise anytime, anywhere. Afterwards, tune in and observe the change in you. Is it a positive change? Do you find that you’re a step or two closer to accepting “what is” as a means to becoming more empowered and the master of your own response-ability? Have you consciously removed some of your own stress? If so, bravo!!
Everything that occurs becomes a potential ticket to revelation. It’s the difference between being reactive and proactive. With the former, I’m wasting my precious inner resources in ways that are certainly not improving the situation anyway! With the latter, I’m choosing to empower myself through discernment and considered action. This is how we get to become free – one choice, one step, one breath at a time. Compassionately accepting each other and ourselves as we go.
Blessings of Great Light,
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