How to practice acceptance (in a hilarious 2-minute dog video).

December 11, 2017

Good morning, beautiful people. Usually I give you wisdom from the big-name sages, but today’s spiritual lesson comes from Honey the Shih-Tzu.

Acceptance is when you have to do something you haven’t wanted to face. Acceptance feels like a big sigh or a shrug of defeat, but in reality it’s an act of courage. It’s not easy to look the truth in the eye and say Okay. I’m listening. I see you. It’s exiting denial and entering your real life.

Acceptance is big. It can seem ugly sometimes, but it’s beautiful.

Sometimes this has to be done in relationships. Sometimes we have to say goodbye to a job (our decision or theirs). Some of us come to a place where we’re ready to make the most courageous move ever and ask for help—in therapy, in recovery, in medical assistance… Whatever it is, acceptance opens the door to action. 

Sometimes it’s just putting on your snow boots when you don’t want to.

Honey’s not a passive little thing; she’s got a good growl on her and major little-dog attitude. But when it comes to the snow boots, she just meditates on acceptance. Her tiny paws have been stung by that salt a few times, and she’d rather put up with the snow boots than go through that pain again.

Wise choice. We can all learn from the Shih-Tzu.

Whatever you have to accept today, remember: It’s not about rolling on your back in defeat. It’s about some brief discomfort, and taking action to do what will ultimately be right for you so you can end suffering. 

Have a beautiful day, divine lights.

Want to learn how to practice acceptance, take positive action, and more? YOGA MIND is a 30-day program of spiritual tools that reduce stress and increase happiness. Get your copy here. 

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