I am honored that people read my blog. I am honored that I get to learn from people. I am grateful for life. I’ve deleted , posted and edited, then deleted- and edited then posted this specific post like 5 times. And I realized it’s because this one feels vulnerable. But I post it in hopes it will be helpful for people.
The moment I learned that control was an illusion was a tough one for me. And still is. In my mind, I could control everything and keep myself from harm, hurt, rejection and all the things that make life messy. All the things that create feeling and emotion, I could keep it all away. And if not.. at least I went down fighting.
Here’s the deal though: We cannot rid our self of emotions or feelings, for that which we aim to avoid will show it self in another form.
There is a quote you learn in science. Newtons Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. (Also , I googled it. I am not that cool. )
This can be related to emotions and feelings.
If one chooses to stuff their feelings instead of experiencing them for what they are, bitterness, tension and resentment will build(the opposite of compassion and acceptance.)
Either way you look at it, you will have an experience whether you like it or not.
Mindfulness has been difficult for me in the area of acceptance. I could not, for the life of me accept that the only control I had was my choices- and how I related, responded and perceived my experience and those around me. My mind was adamant that I could force my way into different circumstances and people would see I was right.
The cool thing is, that with a lot of things- mindfulness is a practice, and not a perfection. And I get to learn and grow like everyone else.
See, our natural body was designed to release , experience and respond to the current experience we are in.
A word that helps me remember, and become aware of my current experience is not wishing your current experience to be different. And when we get caught up in the idea that we should or should not experience something, like emotions or feelings in a specific manner, we are still eliciting suffering because we have put an expectation on how things should be. So maybe where you are is okay. Maybe where I am is okay too. We all experience life, but not all the same way. That’s cool. Its also super freeing to know that life is a process and you and I don’t have to figure everything out right now. We can go watch movies.. and eat popcorn. That sounds so much fun.
I just started reading The Daily Stoic and wanted to share a quote from the book that really struck a cord with me.
But this is all good news because it drastically reduces the amount of things that you need to think about. There is clarity in simplicity.. You’ve got just one thing to manage: your choices, your will, your mind. – The Daily Stoic
So what is the goal? Honor your experience. Learn to let people be people and learn to be you. Or throw people in closets. Really it is up to you.
Do you want peace in the moment, or suffering ?
I am choosing acceptance, of each experience, and each moment where I feel irritated and annoyed, anxiety, joy, excitement. Whatever that may look like today. And when I forget .. I’ll just remember where I am. And that will be okay.
What are you avoiding?
Is there a healthier choice?
Did you throw anybody in a closet today?
Be encouraged,
Rachael
Accepting The Peace 