Radical Acceptance as a Path to Worthiness

What is Radical Acceptance?

Buddhist teacher and therapist, Tara Brach, coined the term “radical acceptance”, a term that encompasses two parts - a clear recognition and a compassionate presence. This means that we see things with clarity, and hold the experience gently, with kindness and love.

Instead of trying to rid ourselves of imperfections, emotions, or uncomfortable experiences, we fully embrace the wholeness of ourselves and our lives.

Seeing things clearly is the first part of radical acceptance. This is based in the Buddhist mindfulness practice called vipassana, meaning “to see clearly”. This is a practice of being with what is happening in the present moment, recognizing passing emotions and thoughts as they are. For example, if a self-judgement thought appears, recognizing it as just a passing thought, not an inherent truth.

The compassionate piece of radical acceptance means embracing yourself, through your human messiness, and opening towards yourself with love and kindness. It is the practice of treating yourself tenderly, the way you would treat your child or best friend.

Acceptance and compassion will move us from the belief that ‘something is wrong with me’ to a belief that ‘I am good enough, even with my perceived flaws and wounds’.

Benefits of Radical Acceptance:

-awareness of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations

-emotional regulation

-improved ability to manage stress

-improved ability to change behaviour

-increased self love and self esteem

Practice:

Researcher Kristin Neff says, “Whenever I notice something about myself I don’t like, or whenever something goes wrong in my life, I silently repeat the following phrases: This is a moment of suffering. Suffering is a part of life. May I be kind to myself in this moment. May I give myself the compassion I need.”