My counselor introduced the concept of "Radical Acceptance" to me today. It was a brief reference so I came home and Googled the term. I found a practical definition and instructions on http://www.ehow.com/ . I think I'm going to post the steps in places I can see them. Here is the text with just a couple minor edits I made for myself:
Radical acceptance is the practice of accepting life on its own terms and finding effective strategies to cope with whatever is happening. It doesn't mean being passive, but accepting "what is" with the understanding that you have the power of choice. Practicing radical acceptance is a choice that can ease stress and depression and enhance your overall quality of life.
Instructions
Step 1:
Love and be gentle with yourself. Radical acceptance means treating yourself as you would treat someone that you truly love.
Step 2:
Praise yourself. Tell yourself how well you are doing and stop criticizing yourself. Write down things you have done that make you feel proud and refer to it when you're experiencing feelings of self-doubt.
Step 3
Accept yourself. Don't listen to the little voice in your head that says you aren't good enough. Accept the way you are, right now, without judgment.
Step 4
Find ways to support yourself. Practice radical acceptance by reaching out to friends and loved ones and allowing them to support you.
Step 5
Forgive yourself. Have compassion for yourself and where you are in your life. Acknowledge any real or perceived wrongs that you may have perpetrated in the past. Apologize if you have wronged others, and then let it go.
Step 6
Lend a helping hand to others. Not only will it make a difference in their lives, but you will feel better and more positive about yourself.
Step 7
Take care of your body, and accept it lovingly. Learn about exercise and nutrition and get adequate rest. Nurture yourself and allow yourself to feel good.
taken from: http://www.ehow.com/how_2078558_practice-radical-acceptance.html
I also found a Bible reference that helps me practice acceptance: Romans 8:28. I think I'll go to bed tonight and meditate on that passage. Good night.
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Another mom was talking about acceptance vs surrender. Thanks for the insight. ! :-)
ReplyDeleteI wonder when HE will work it out for good?
ReplyDeleteI don't know when, but I know He is faithful to those who trust Him. I know it from 25 years of walking with Him. I know it from His word: "In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed. (Psalm 22:4-5)
ReplyDeletePersonally, I am counting on the "not disappointed" part.
Dr. Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (New York City) has some very insightful recorded sermons you can download for free (http://sermons.redeemer.com/store/). I have found his work to be immensely helpful, thought-provoking, and specifically encouraging to my faith that has been rocked to it's core by my son's addiction.
I found many favorites on the site by going to RECOMMENDATIONS > COUNSELING CENTER:
- "Praying Your Tears"
- "Praying Your Fears"
- I can't seem to find my other favorite, but there's plenty to choose from
Good stuff here CC. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these. Acceptance is important but it doesn't mean agreement. That has helped me a lot.
ReplyDeleteThis is really good! Thanks for sharing it. Its helpful hear a great concept, but to have concrete ways of applying it makes it real!
ReplyDelete