Acceptance - Detoxifying the Mind

1. You can continue reading  to understand how our  lifestyle and food habits lead to stress in the body. Click Here.

Detoxifying Stress

Stress occurs in the mind when we cannot accept the reality around us. Stress is mental conflict between two opposing thoughts. One set of thoughts is about the reality or nature of things and people around us and the other set of thoughts denies that reality. In other words, the second set of thoughts is about the way we want things to be.

Every now and then we wish things were different. That we were  taller, that our skin color was different or had different talents, had a better home, husband or wife or children or parents. We wish that we had more authority at work or more vacation time.  That our partner were more attentive or that a loved one’s health wasn’t failing so fast or our boss or colleague at work was more understanding.  Wishing is fine, of course.  But it’s also important to be able to accept certain things the way they are.  Research studies have shown that continually feeling angry, frustrated or depressed by events beyond your control is downright unhealthy.  We have already read about the chemical reactions that are triggered with these emotions.

Health Risks

If you’re the kind of person who has a hard time going with the flow or facing facts, you might be putting yourself at risk for health problems.  You may be more likely to get sick and possibly even contract a serious illness like heart disease or cancer.  The fact is, our mental and physical wellbeing are deeply linked.  In this case, the ability to accept the imperfections in life, ourselves, and in others is associated with a healthier body and mind. We are unaware of the fact that non-acceptance of the reality of life is the key cause for all diseases of the body and mind.  We will discuss this aspect separately later. Let us now detoxify our mind with this acceptance formula to relieve stress.

What Does Acceptance Mean?

        Although it’s a rather passive word, the concept of acceptance is powerful, dynamic even. It’s about letting go of unrealistic expectations, large and small.  It’s about coming to terms with reality no matter how unfair or unpleasant they may be.  Acceptance is what we do when we acknowledge that no matter how hard we try, we can’t control everything. 

Does Acceptance Mean Accept Failure and Give Up Trying?

       Acceptance is not the same thing as being weak, giving up or giving in.  It does not mean that you are a victim or a doormat. Just the opposite.  It means that you’re able to think, be objective and decide whether the things that are bothering you are really worth getting upset about.  If it is something outside your control like the traffic, the stock market or other people’s personalities the answer is probably no.  That’s not to say that there is nothing you can do to help yourself feel better.  

       Some people have a hard time accepting themselves.  They never really feel satisfied with who they are or what they’ve accomplished.  Others are continually bothered by the behavior and beliefs of others and they’re compelled to try to change it, usually with little success.  And a lot of us simply struggle with the annoyances and unpredictable nature of life itself - everything from bad weather and barking dogs to politics, taxes and death.

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