The Power of Acceptance in Healing and How to Cultivate it

When it comes to healing, acceptance is a powerful tool. Learn how to cultivate it in yourself and watch your process blossom.

When it comes to our health, we often put up a lot of resistance. We try every possible cure out there, and when one doesn't work, we give up and move on to the next. We want to be well and more importantly, we want to thrive, so it seems we'll stop at nothing until we find the solution. But what if the answer has been right in front of us all along? What if the key to recovery is as simple as accepting ourselves for who we are?

Studies show that people who are able to accept themselves are more likely to experience better physical health. They have lower levels of stress and anxiety, the culprits which often lead to a whole host of other problems. Self-accepting people are also more likely to take care of themselves and make healthy choices, which by the way are not easy to make when we don't feel good about ourselves.

But how does it work? How can something as simple as accepting ourselves lead to such significant improvements in our health? Well, it turns out that when we're able to accept ourselves, we're also more likely to be accepting of others. And that has a big impact on our stress levels.

It turns out, when we're constantly judging and criticizing ourselves, it's easy to transfer that judgment onto others. We start seeing them as imperfect and flawed, just like us. And the fact that they don't resist their flaws as ardently as we do can be, well, infuriating. It can make us feel even worse about ourselves. The combination of guilt, shame, and frustration creates a lot of stress, and that's not good for our health.

Conversely, when we're able to accept ourselves, we're more likely to see others in a positive light. We can appreciate the imperfections of others and understand that everyone is just doing the best they can. That doesn't mean we have to agree with everything they do or condone their behavior, but it does mean that we can relate to them on a human level. And that connection can help reduce our stress levels significantly--putting us on the path to wellness.

We should consider these tips when practicing self-acceptance.

How to Practice Self Acceptance

Know that acceptance is a process, not a destination.

We're not going to wake up one day and find that we've magically become accepting of ourselves (or others) overnight. It's something that takes time and effort. So we must be patient with ourselves and keep working at it. For example, if we find that we're too tired to tackle that next project or pursue a promotion, it's okay to take a break. In fact, it might be exactly what we need.

Start small.

If the idea of accepting ourselves feels overwhelming, we can always start with something small. Maybe there's a particular aspect of of ourselves that we're not happy with. Maybe it's as small as the placement of a mole. Whatever it is, we can start there.

Focus on the present moment.

One of the best ways to practice self-acceptance is to focus on the present moment. When we're able to be mindful and appreciate what's happening right now, it's easier to let go of judgment and criticism. We can simply enjoy the experience for what it is without needing it to be anything else.

Remember that flaws are what make us human.

They're what make us unique and interesting. So instead of trying to resist them or hide them away, why not embrace them? After all, they're part of who we are.

Focus on our strengths.

When we're trying to accept ourselves, it's easy to dwell on our flaws and shortcomings. But instead of fixating on what you don't like about ourselves, we might try to focus on our positive qualities. What are we good at? What do people usually compliment us on? When we start thinking about the things we like about ourselves , it may make a world of difference.

Acknowledge our emotions--all of them.

It's okay to feel angry, sad, or scared. These are all normal, human emotions, and they're nothing to be ashamed of. So instead of pushing them away, we should aim to feel them fully.

And while this last one may have less to do with self-acceptance and more to do with navigating the waters of identity, it's worth mentioning.

Acknowledge that while some of us may not be "well", we are not our sickness.

We are so much more than our illnesses. So instead of letting it define us, we should aim to focus on all the other aspects of our lives that make us who we are.

Conclusion

These are just a few tips that can help us on the path to self-acceptance--and ultimately, better health. So next time we find ourselves resisting something in life, it may be worth asking ourselves if acceptance might be the answer.

Give us your feedback

What are your thoughts on self-acceptance? Do you think it's important in getting well? Share your experiences in the comments below!