Resistance, Acceptance, and Change
A fundamental part of the practices is learning to recognize and accept the present moment as it is, and bring attention to our reactions to what has arisen. As we begin to release our struggle with the parts of reality over which we don’t have control, we stop resisting what is true. This letting go can free us from an unwinnable struggle, allowing greater flexibility and space to see more clearly and to make real and effective changes. It allows us the freedom to respond instead of react.
As practice becomes deeper and further integrated into our lives, we may begin noticing when we are meeting experience with aversion, attempting to suppress or control what is happening versus acknowledging and allowing an experience, whether or not it is what we wanted. Perhaps we even begin to welcome these challenging experiences with friendliness and curiosity.