#194 Acceptance allows Perception

     Acceptance is about being “open to seeing and acknowledging things as they are in the present moment; acceptance does not mean passivity or resignation, rather a clearer understanding of the present so one can more effectively respond.”
        Shapiro SL, Schwartz GE. Intentional systemic mindfulness: an integrative model for self-regulation and health. Adv Mind Body Med 2000; 16(2): 128-34.

     Acceptance is essential for clear perception! Until we’re prepared to accept something, we literally can't see it, find it confusing, or "protect ourselves" by avoiding the issue in some other way.
     We have 2 ways of relating to anything: approach or avoidance. Only approach works, and works best when we're fully conscious - "with eyes wide open".
     So acceptance may sound easy, but like awareness, it requires ongoing intentional training.

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