Season 1 with Christina Philburn and Patrick Harris - Self-acceptance is the practice of complete acceptance of one’s complete self. True self-acceptance is embracing who we are unconditionally and without any exceptions.
It’s important to remember that even when we fail or fall short, we are still whole and worthy and perfect just as we are. And what’s cool about that is this, in turn, allows our happiness to be unconditional as well. It opens the door for our happiness to exist regardless of what others think about us or what we think others might be thinking about us. Instead, our joy is based on who we are. When I’ve been able to actually wrap my head around this idea and truly embody it, even if only for a moment, it’s so incredibly freeing. I can literally feel a sense of calm and warmth wash over me when I do this. I encourage you to give it a try.
Coming into this episode, I didn’t realize the strong relationship between acceptance and letting go. But it makes perfect sense to me now.
If we can let go of our expectations of the way things or the way we should be. We are also letting go of the stress that comes from being so attached to those expectations. And then we have the ability to more easily accept ourselves and our lives as they are.
When we let go of that which is unwholesome in our lives (these could literally be things, but also ideas, thoughts, people, habits), we make room for more wholesome things. The kind of stuff that builds us up instead of tear us down.
Today, we also touched on ego -- how perfectionism comes from the ego, etc. And how our ego might be at the very root of our difficulties and struggles. So, what is it with this ego thing and what does it have to do with mindfulness? We’re going to go down that rabbit hole next week, and I can’t wait to see what we discover.
Show Notes:
Host Lance Vaughn, Co-owner of the Austin Mindfulness Center
Co-host Christina Philburn, LCSW
Co-host Patrick Harris, LPC, PhD Candidate
Co-host Claudio Barrientos, Mindfulness Instructor
If you're interested in mindfulness coaching, you can purchase coaching packages with either Patrick or Claudio on our website.
