The paradox of acceptance
Marc Engel
'Yes, And' your way to extraordinary teamwork | Founder of 'Creative's Sanctuary'
All this relentless striving, ceaseless pursuit, and insatiable yearning for accomplishments. The endless conditions we impose on ourselves to attain a goal: “Then, and only then, can I finally be happy. Then, and only then, will I be deemed successful. Then, and only then, will I be worthy.”
And yet, once we reach that coveted milestone, the cycle begins anew.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with having aspirations, setting a direction, or desiring something beyond our current reach. However, in our relentless pursuit of what is “there”, we often lose sight of what is already “here”, what exists within us—the essence of who we are at this very moment, the core of our being.?
Pausing for a moment
Accepting what is proves to be a challenge. Embracing the parts of ourselves or our lives that we may not particularly like is not an easy task. However, acceptance lies at the very foundation of effective personal leadership. Without it, we remain trapped in a perpetual loop of striving and craving, never finding true peace with our present circumstances.
Pause for just a moment. Can you release the relentless drive? Can you temporarily set aside the insatiable hunger for more? Can you grant yourself permission to fully inhabit the space you’re in, embracing both the parts you love and the parts you struggle with?
The paradox of acceptance
Renowned teacher Tara Brach once beautifully expressed,
“There is something wonderfully bold and liberating about saying yes to our entire imperfect and messy life.
Paradoxically, it is through this almost strange notion of acceptance that we find our way out of this cycle. Acceptance possesses an unconditional quality that frees us from the constraints of conditional happiness and fulfillment.
In my practice as a leadership coach, I often guide my clients through a visualization, leading them to explore their innermost core—a place of wholeness that remains untouched by external circumstances. The profound clarity that emerges in these moments always touches me. Some of these experiences are deeply emotional, accompanied by a deep and long sigh that releases all the pressure for a moment.
Acceptance, or surrendering to what is, does not come easily. It calls us to sit with the messiness, the pain, the lack of achievement, the struggles, and the difficulties. Yet, when we wholeheartedly embrace acceptance, we find liberation, reigniting the momentum within us once more.
Wonderful Marc!!
International Sales & Brand Leader | Fashion, Accessories & Beauty | Driving Growth, Market Expansion & High-Performing Teams
1 年I release. I accept. I do … try ??
?Te sigue tu equipo? Apoyo al CEO a crear en 6 meses un sistema probado con los mejores superhábitos para multiplicar su impacto y resultados | Disfrutando con ello y viviendo mejor ??
1 年Beautifully said, Marc! Thanks.
Executive coach, corporate transformation consultant/facilitator, leadership companion. Former bluechip senior leader. Book author : The Middle Manager's Survival Guide. MA, MSc, ICF PCC
1 年Where do you find these beautiful images ? So much life in this one. They say today is Yellow Day, the day where most happiness will show up among us (let us be open to this !) and here this glowing laugh comes - thank you.
Founding partner, Companions For Leadership, Strategic partner Oxford Leadership. Purpose Driven Leadership
1 年Lovely