Accepting reality is a practice and a habit that can help us to feel a greater sense of peace and wellbeing. Frequently, mindfulness students say to me that they have a difficult time meditating because they feel restless, agitated, bored or experience physical pain or discomfort. Mindfulness is an opportunity for us to observe with focused attention whatever arises into our experience and see clearly our habitual patterns. If we feel frustrated by the above mentioned states, perhaps we are engaging in the habitual pattern of wanting things to be other than they are—we are wanting a particular body state, emotional state or mind state and wanting the current one to change.
The truth knocks on the door and you say, ‘Go away, I’m looking for the truth,’ and so it goes away. Puzzling. –Robert Pirsig
Wanting things to be other than they are creates a deep sense of suffering. Seeing clearly what is, accepting reality, and being present with what arises within us in response to what is can not only help us to learn to be with pain without the reactivity that creates suffering but can lead us to greater peace, happiness and freedom. Try practicing, in your formal practice and in everyday life, opening to the truth of whatever arises and just allowing it to be as it is. Focus your attention on sensations and feelings as they manifest in the body. Feel the freedom of letting go of the internal battle when you open to the truth of what is.
Fighting reality, we feel a sense of dissatisfaction, anger, or resentment. Practicing acceptance, we feel a greater sense of peace and wellbeing.
Jen Johnson is a mindfulness coach, teacher, and therapist. She teaches meditation for healing, creativity, and resilience. Jen has been teaching meditation for 30+ years.