4 Strategies for practicing Radical Self-Acceptance

Radical Self-Acceptance Painting by Jennifer Mazzucco

#mindfulness #self-judgment #RadicalSelfAcceptance #negativethinkingpatterns #thoughts

Radical acceptance means noticing how life is imminently unfolding without resistance, even if we don't like or condone the way things are at any given moment. Applying this principle can take a lot of work. How can we start to accept our situation—and ourselves—while anxiety, uncertainty, and fear?

Why self-acceptance is not the same thing as complacency.

Now more than ever is the time for all of us to practice radical self-acceptance to train ourselves to find inner stability despite shaky, unpredictable outer circumstances. Ultimately, we are responsible for claiming our hidden wounds, which catapult us into evolving individually and collectively.

Radical self-acceptance is the opposite of avoiding responsibility or giving up in self-defeat. It's about pushing against old ways of being, knowing they are what opens the door to healing at the deepest level. Doing so allows us to integrate our shadow aspects and live more authentically. Suppose we must practice radical self-acceptance and fight the urge to repress, numb, react, excuse, or deny. In that case, we can become better citizens and contribute to our communities.

Four ways to practice radical self-acceptance:

1. Slow down whenever you feel yourself starting to self-judge.

In the moment when you feel your usual contraction of self-judgment after you've said or done something you wish you hadn't, breathe. Be honest with yourself about the feelings you're having. Notice them and stay with them without minimizing or denying them. Then practice being open to yourself and giving yourself permission to just be as you are. No excuses. No rationalizations. No avoidance.

This is a powerful phrase to repeat to shift old negative thinking patterns: "This is the situation, and I deeply and completely accept myself as I am."

2. Remember that every setback is a learning opportunity.

The next time you do, foster an inner dialogue that moves you into problem-solving mode instead of a habitual shame spiral. Here are three constructive things you can say when your perfectionism or self-judgment pops up:

•         I wonder what I was feeling when I did that?
•        That's OK; I'm still learning.
•        I wonder what I will do differently next time?

3. Avoid comparison.

It's easy to get caught up in what others are accomplishing, comparing ourselves only to come up short. Our self-esteem inevitably takes a blow when we do this. It's vital to remember that we can't reach our insides to someone else's outsides, as we have no idea what's going on in their inner world. Instead, Let's measure our success by our yardstick and reaffirm our personal goals.

You can always redirect yourself from an obsessive negative mental loop by asking: "What am I thinking? What am I feeling? What's my next right thought or action?" Then, bring the intentionality back to your own unique journey.

4. Lean on the practices that remind you that thoughts are fleeting.

The next time you feel self-critical, try a practice that can lead you into a more positive state of mind and remind you that thoughts are fleeting. It can be meditation, tapping, walking, or being of service to others.

Above all, Try to be as present with yourself as possible during this time, moving into self-acceptance so you can show up in your center. Radical self-acceptance means being thankful for your assets, mistakes, misunderstandings, failings, and everything that's brought you to now. It's the epitome of compassion in action and how we become the highest version of ourselves.