What to do with struggle …. How do I accept what is?
Learning to accept life does not mean you do nothing or that nothing changes. Life is in a continual state of flux, 
ever changing – never static. Acceptance is about embracing reality because it just is what it is in any given moment. When we can do that (embrace reality) we don’t have to push so hard to change things. Often as a natural consequence of accepting reality, change just happens.
“that change occurs when one becomes what he is, not when he tries to become what he is not. Change does not take place through a coercive attempt by the individual or by another person to change him, but it does take place if one takes the time and effort to be what he is — to be fully invested in his current positions. By rejecting the role of change agent, we make meaningful and orderly change possible.” Arnold Beisser – The paradoxical theory of change.
So how do we do that? We get to know our “self” intimately. We become more aware of our life experience and mindfulness is a way to do that. We notice the physical feelings, emotions, and thoughts that arise in different situations. Mindfulness meditation (starting with the breath) is the training ground for expanding awareness of how we live life and how life impacts us.
As we start to live life consciously and stop pushing away what is there, we start the journey down the rabbit hole. Sometimes we don’t know what to do with that which we have become aware of. There’s one sure fire thing you can do to be with the moment, accept it, and let it go (at least for now).
Ask yourself a question about what you are experiencing. It’s a great way to acknowledge reality and accept it is there. Become curious and question your experience: Not to raise doubt, question like a scientist to raise your curiosity, and life could become an experiment. Let go of an answer – it may or may not come to you at the time.
Ask about your feelings.
Ask about your thoughts.
Ask about your body sensations.
Ask about your experiences past, present, and potential future.
Ask about your unique meaning of life.
Dr John Demartini, Tony Robbins, and other motivational speakers often say that the quality of life is partly based on the quality of questions asked. As I become more aware I notice questions naturally arise. As I become more mindful, kind and compassionate, more questions arise within me. I have noticed questioning has become a tool and a skill. Next time you meditate or you’re feeling challenged just try posing a question and sitting with it for a while, perhaps one of the following:
Where am I at with this right now?
How did I get here?
What are the sensations in my body right now?
Is there something I need right now?
I wonder what the meaning is behind this, because I just don’t understand it right now.
I thought I had dealt with this, what am I missing?
What is it within me that chooses this experience?
If I am being kind and honest with me right now what is this situation telling me about myself.
What does this tell me about the other person?
What is my responsibility, what do I actually have control of, and what can I let go of?
What do I want to experience in my life right now?
Is my choice in alignment with what I want to experience in my life right now?
A statement you might make after asking your question is – “I trust that I will understand and know the answers when they present to me”.
What questions would you ask if you stop for a moment, to be with your life as it is, just noticing it in all its glory, neutrality, and pain? What could you become curious about? Would being curious help you acknowledge what is there? Would acknowledging what is in your experience in the moment be a way to accept? I wonder what would happen if you could accept that’s just how it is right at this moment… with gentle curiosity…
We all have the answers we need within us. We do need to learn how to ask questions and just remain open for the answers , however they choose to show up.
The question I most often ask in general terms: “What do I most need to know or do right now to be loving, kind and compassionate?” It’s my bottom line – what I care about most. AND it includes all living beings (me).
