Accepting things as they are leads to inner peace from "summary" of Wherever You Go, There You are by John Hampel
When we resist the way things are, when we fight against reality, we create inner turmoil. This resistance can manifest as stress, anxiety, or frustration. We may find ourselves constantly struggling against the flow of life, trying to control and manipulate our circumstances to fit our expectations. But this constant battle only serves to create more suffering. Acceptance, on the other hand, involves letting go of this resistance. It means acknowledging things as they are, without judgment or the need to change them. When we accept the present moment, we free ourselves from the burden of trying to control the uncontrollable. We release ourselves from the grip of expectations and allow ourselves to simply be.
In accepting things as they are, we open ourselves up to inner peace. We let go of the need to constantly strive for something different, something better. Instead, we find contentment in the here and now. We become more present, more grounded, and more at ease with whatever life brings our way.
This doesn't mean that we become passive or complacent. Acceptance is not about resigning ourselves to a fate we don't desire. Rather, it is about recognizing the reality of the present moment and responding to it with clarity and equanimity. It is about approaching life with an open heart and a clear mind, free from the burden of resistance.
In accepting things as they are, we cultivate a sense of inner peace that is unshakeable. We no longer allow external circumstances to dictate our internal state. Instead, we find a sense of calm and steadiness that comes from within. We learn to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience, knowing that we have the power to choose how we respond to them.
So, by accepting things as they are, we free ourselves from the chains of resistance and find a deep wellspring of inner peace that sustains us through life's ups and downs. We discover that true peace comes not from controlling our circumstances, but from accepting them with an open heart and a clear mind.
