- something I first heard about when I was facilitating DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) groups in the 90s,
- defined online (see link, above) as “when you stop fighting reality, stop responding with impulsive and destructive behaviors when things aren’t going the way you want them to, and let go of bitterness that might be keeping you trapped in a cycle of suffering,”
- the title of at least one of my previous blog posts, and
- this book by Tara Brach, which was recommended to me by one of my patients.
I’ve been trying to practice radical acceptance of the past and of the present — especially the things I can’t control — which helps me feel more ready to meet the future.
Do you see radical acceptance in any of my other images for today?
I am practicing radical acceptance about differences of opinion. For example, I don’t like carbonated beverages with caffeine and I don’t like to play Monopoly, and that’s okay!
Here’s what I find on YouTube when I search for “radical acceptance”:
What are your thoughts and feelings about radical acceptance? Whatever they are, please accept my gratitude for visiting my blog, here and now.
Life is difficult until you accept that it does not have to be so!
I accept your radical comment with gratitude, Peter!
If I understand the term correctly, I see radical acceptance in the photos of the trees losing their leaves now that winter is almost here.. There’s nothing we can do but wait until May when they bloom again. I love the picture of your son- he looks just like you.
Thanks for this lovely comment!
The book your patient recommended reminded me that the lotus is very important in Buddhism but so is the mud from which it springs. I can’t think of a better metaphor for radical acceptance than appreciating both the lotus and the mud.
Thank you for another very important comment, my friend.
I didn’t know that, and it is a good metaphor.
Your “live wire” picture made me laugh! Truly radical acceptance!
Truly another radically lively comment from you!
Radical acceptance is embracing things as they are, without giving them a name, place, time or purpose. It’s being as unpretentious as a small flower, a vanishing scent, a subtle smile, or a bland meal. It’s rejoicing in the faintest, the barely perceptible, the indistinct and vague.
“Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”- Lao Tzu
I radically embrace every wonderful word of this comment, Maria.
I’m wondering if the squirrels and birds can read that Live Wire sign, Ann?!
I love and accept your radical comments, Mark!
I really had to scratch my head when you said you didn’t like carbonated beverages with caffeine because I couldn’t think of any. But eventually I realized that common sodas like Coca-Cola probably contain caffeine and that you weren’t referencing some new kind of sparkling coffee or anything. I don’t drink soda so I’d forgotten about the caffeine. I don’t even have to be radical to accept your preference to not drink them.
I am grateful for your acceptance every day, Maureen.
This made me chuckle.
Tara Brach is someone who “speaks” to me! I have a lot of acceptance issues, quite frankly. So thank you for the warm smiles you provide. I gladly accept them! 🙂
I believe we radically accept each other, Debra!
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