The study of yoga presents us with philosophical tools that help us navigate our life path. Common themes we encounter encourage us to 'surrender,' 'allow', even 'yield' to the flow of life, so that we can reduce the amount of suffering we experience. After all, life isn't always 'a walk in the park,' so the more we can really listen to and apply teachings we receive from those who have walked this path before us, the more we find the ability to accept our situation, and find connection to a deeper sense of purpose.
Lately, the buzzword around the studio is: Acceptance.
With so many issues in the world to find resistance to, lifestyle choices that trigger our own personal truth, and feeling inadequate to make changes we wish to see in the world, it seems that acceptance is the first step in moving toward a brand new future...
Over the course of our lives, we will experience first hand cycles of creation, maintenance, and deconstruction. From the loss of loved ones, the breakdown of relationships we have come to depend upon, to climate crisis frustration and the sorrow of Earth’s destruction. It may not feel right or easy, especially when times are difficult, but the pathway of forward movement comes through accepting these situations as they are.
It takes recognition to admit that something in our personal life (or the world as a whole) needs to change. We know that before action can be taken to: get in shape, quit smoking, learn a new craft, or change career/life path, it is imperative to pause, assess the situation and decide whether we are currently moving in the direction we wish to go, or not. Life consists of continuous movement, so these moments of reflective decision making are truly pivotal when it comes to designing your own life course.
Whether it’s life on an individual basis, or life on earth as a whole, we are all connected, subject to the same laws that govern the universe. From physics to karma, whatever you believe to be an explanation for the way things move, it’s time to see your role within that larger landscape, and get involved to shape the way life unfolds.
It may feel like we are fighting against all that is ‘wrong’ with the world, meeting resistance by others who hold different views. Even with the best intentions, the clashing of ideas continues to perpetuate separateness. In yogic scripture, it is not-knowing the sameness of one’s self and all that is that keeps us divided. That we all originate from the same elements, creative intelligence (and evolutionary force) no matter what your beliefs may be.
Arguments are just a clash of opinions, where one person is expecting to be ‘right’, and to prove the other ‘wrong’ - a fight for dominance - likely with both parties walking away thinking the other person was the ‘loser’ for having the ‘wrong’ idea.
The element missing in this situation is acceptance: the link that turns violence into more peaceful understanding; an argument into a discussion.
Discussion accepts the validity of differing opinions, and explores the ideas that make them so. Meeting someone with differing opinions with acceptance can open brand new pathways towards more interesting and insightful communication. Therefore…
Acceptance for the way things are is paramount to taking the next step in our human evolution.
Just like any first step to rehabilitation is to ‘admit you have a problem.’ This may be related to alcohol or substance abuse, it may be in relation to our climate crisis. Whether you are working on something personal or feel the weight of more global topics, let’s say it straight: We have a problem.
Rather than being a new phenomenon, perhaps it is ‘yet again,’ the lifestyle habits of humans have riddled us with preventable diseases, mental health issues, poor diets, lack of exercise - all in exchange for insatiable consumption for external pleasures. Pair this with dependency on healthcare systems that are underfunded, unaffordable, or powered by the sale of pharmaceutical drugs that may cure symptoms, but do not treat the cause of disease, we find ourselves stuck in a culture of illness formation and dependency - all to the benefit of the capitalist structure.
It may sound like another Socialist rant for how the people need more social support, and rightly so. But this is just to illustrate the fact that we have lost our personal power to create our own ecosystem, and claim our inherent right to life, health, education, and happiness.
So, how do we make positive change in a world that seems so doomed?
Take a moment, take a breath and meditate on the following:
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
Over the course of history, there have been ways of living that have been destructive to the earth, people, and cultures. Was it ‘right’? No.
Have we found ways to make change and move forward with more diplomacy and compassion? Yes!
Making an effort will always be part of our life here together. Every generation needs hope and vision in order to build the strength and resilience needed to keep life moving forward. As a way to quell the despair and fight apathy, let us find acceptance. Here and now.
You can read this passage out loud to begin your process of acceptance:
Today, I accept that there are outdated ways of thinking and living in this world. Although I may only have awareness of some of the issues I wish to change, I promise to make the best efforts I can within my means to move towards a more healthy, conscious, and environmentally repairing way of living than before.
I will support new initiatives where it will make a positive impact on my personal wellbeing and the welfare of others. I accept that there are things I cannot change right now, but that there are many things I can. Let this wisdom help lead us forward in an ever-evolving manner.
