I have begun to examine what acceptance means in my life and have found it to be a valuable teacher. Often, I imagine this picture of myself pushing up against obstacles, railing at closed doors. I have always believed that such determination and tenacity is a positive strength that would take me far, often stretching me beyond what I thought was possible. And I still believe so.

However, I have recently met a new friend in acceptance, which asks something very different of me and renders me more peaceful. Years ago, I would have thought that acceptance meant being passive, aligning submissively with the status quo, not speaking out even when I believed otherwise. Yet, acceptance is teaching me a unique way of being that feels more expansive and powerful than my original perception. I invite you to examine acceptance in your own life and find out if it works for you. Acceptance is another tool, another way to be in our world. Acceptance has its own philosophy that eases us into change and helps us with the unexpected events and the new as well as the familiar territory of our own lives. What has stirred me so passionately in acceptance is the simple understanding that we may not always be able to change life experiences and events and we may never completely know why. In acceptance, that isn't what is primary. The important realization is that we can shift our emotional response and internal relationship to what is in our lives and be changed in the process.

I put this to the test in some of my personal relationships where my expectations and judgments ruled and interfered with how I viewed each individual with her combination of imperfections and wonderful uniqueness. When I was able to sit quietly with my judgments and watch them, I noticed an emotional rise and fall. I realized that they limited my own freedom and my ability to see clearly outside of myself. It became easier to accept and respect another individual for who she was and not what I wanted her to be. With this miraculous feat, something else unexpected happened. My ability to view others in this way led me to view myself without holding up my critical mirror.

Although difficult at first to practice, watch and be mindful of your experiences, emotions or judgments. Don't bolt or create more judgments even if you're tempted. Discover instead the quiet calm and acceptance of what is in your life. By doing so, you change it. Your life may not look any different externally, however your inner awareness is forever altered in a positive way.