A powerful step toward self-acceptance involves a shift from trying to accept every aspect of ourselves—a daunting task for anyone—to simply acknowledging the traits we deem negative, such as those we consider not “good, acceptable, worthy, or respectable.” Imagine recognizing these emotions as they occur, by saying, for instance, “Anger is here.” This perspective helps us see anger as a transient state rather than an identity, reminding us that we are not consistently one thing. By accepting the presence of these emotions as they arise, we make a significant stride toward deeper self-acceptance and enrich our human experience.

Peace is a fascinating journey. First, it’s important to realize how much peace we don’t have. The mind is always picturing you as something different than what is really inside; there is an image or idea it’s sustaining about itself. But in reality, most of the time, we don’t have inner peace even though we try to convince ourselves we do. Realizing that peace is not present and we yearn for it is a pivotal first step. This will ignite the journey of self-discovery that will lead you to your own inner peace.

There is a peace that lies within, and is not the absence of conflict; it can be ever-present, even with conflict. It does not need any particular state or space for it to be there because it is. It’s a peace that emerges with witnessing, and it is fueled by amazement; it is a gift that is part of being. 

Fear is a natural response of the body when it feels threatened; it’s a biological mechanism that ensures survival. Fear triggers specific chemical reactions in your body for a moment when energy needs to be maximized to face those threats. Most of us have been raised and conditioned with fear being a predominant experience, so it has become naturalized and common. To the extent that we can experience fear when we don’t experience it for some time, wondering if it signals that something will happen and fear will come again, and strangely enough, that feels safe.

Becoming aware of our relationship with fear is the beginning of the journey. Discovering how we are entangled with it and what triggers it and learning different tools that help our nervous system understand that safety can be a natural place of existence is also possible. Fear is not an enemy or a signal that something is wrong with you, it has been a self preserving mechanism in your life and has fulfilled a purpose. There is a moment when you are ready to experience life from a different space, and the whole universe conspires to support your journey.