Self Acceptance is the Key to Contentment

Most of us carry on through life without really understanding who we are.

We are in a collective flow that keeps us acting and reacting in a knee-jerk manner. Often this flow keeps us so busy we don’t have time to reflect on our lives or look deeply into our souls to understand ourselves and why we are the way we are. We may have an underlying feeling of dissatisfaction with ourselves. Yet not understand why.

Let me ask, have you ever tried to get to know yourself?
Imagine meeting with a friend you would like to know on a much deeper level.

You might ask them these questions…

• What are your likes/dislikes? What bothers you?
• What makes you angry? What makes you cry? What makes you happy?
• What is your temperament? What are your fears?
• What are your values? What are your talents?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?

Then you might get even more personal…

• What do you love about yourself?
• What do you not love about yourself?
• What takes you to your highest highs?
• What takes you to your deepest, darkest place?

As you listen to your friends’ answers, you feel compassion for them as they reveal their deepest truths. You don’t judge. You listen.

Why not ask yourself these same questions?

Can you feel compassion for yourself as you reveal your deepest truths? Can you accept the answers without rejecting yourself?
Many of us have never gone through this simple process. Yet, studies show that knowing yourself is the first step to self-acceptance and happiness. In addition, these questions can reveal aspects of yourself we need to work on. So, let’s not be afraid to look in the mirror and see who we really are. Not the outward show we adhere to. Once you know yourself, you can start to accept and even love yourself. Be the friend who loves you unconditionally.

Here are some ways that yoga can help:

• Yoga asana (poses) gets us moving. When we examine who we are, negative feelings and thoughts could arise. It is important to channel or dispel those feelings. There is nothing like physical exercise and deep rhythmic breathing to get you out of your mind and into your body.
• When working on yoga poses, we challenge our strength, balance, and flexibility. Thus, yoga keeps us emotionally and mentally strong.
• Svadhyaya, or Self-study, is a practice where we observe who we are in the world, how we act and react, and how we function on an egoic level.

• Meditation, alone time in nature, mindful physical practice, and studying the wisdom teachings are all ways to bring clarity.

You are worthy, no matter the flaws. You are perfectly imperfect!

Time to ask those questions and find out who you really are!

SEE YOU ON THE MAT!
DOROTHY