Embracing Acceptance: The Bridge Between You and Divine Love
Bentinho Massaro proffers that acceptance, initially termed as forgiveness, is the key to dismantle the veil of non-acceptance, the barrier that tricks us into believing something separates us from the divine. This veil, an illusion birthed from our minds, gives rise to all suffering, drama, stress, anxiety, and fear. The antidote lies in embracing oneself wholly, right where you are, right as you are, acknowledging that there is nothing that separates us from ourselves or the divine, for we are divine.
Acceptance holds a paradoxical power. The irony lies in the fact that even if one finds it difficult to accept themselves, acknowledging this inability is a form of acceptance in itself. As Massaro explains, if non-acceptance is the current reality, we should learn to accept non-acceptance, which is, in fact, what divine love would do. The first step towards liberation and freedom is often acceptance, because it is where our focus tends to get stuck, glued to the erroneous notion that we are not acceptable, lovable, perfect, or ‘there’ yet.
Our spiritual journey isn’t about imitating a perfect version of ourselves, looking undisturbed or monk-like. It’s about embracing our flawed existence, for it’s in this embrace that the paradox reveals our perfection. It opens the aperture to the divine’s love, leading to the cessation of self-judgment and judgment as a whole. Even our judgments, dislikes, and difficulties become appreciated, loved, and bathed in divine love. It’s not about changing who we are to align with a societal image of what spirituality should look like, but rather embracing our authenticity, regardless of how messy or unconventional it may seem.
To experience this, Massaro suggests a simple yet profound practice: lay down, place your hand on your heart, surrender to the divine love streaming through you, and completely accept and forgive yourself. Remember, our lovability isn’t for us to decide, but is the domain of the divine, an authority we need to surrender to. God’s love doesn’t fit any image we may have; it’s formless, always accessible, and it’s here with us, right now. It’s the very fabric of our existence, and recognizing this can open us up to love and liberation, leading to true inner peace and spiritual growth.
Acceptance is a mindset that can be developed and strengthened through practice. Here are some steps that you can take to become more accepting:
- Develop awareness: The first step to cultivating acceptance is to develop awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and reactions to different situations. Notice when you feel resistance, judgment, or attachment towards a situation or person.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you can develop a non-judgmental and accepting attitude towards your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
- Identify your values: Identify your values and priorities in life. This will help you to focus on what’s important to you and let go of things that don’t align with your values.
- Reframe negative thoughts: When you notice negative thoughts or beliefs, try to reframe them in a positive light. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong or negative, focus on what you can learn or how you can grow from the situation.
- Let go of control: Acceptance is about letting go of the need to control things. You cannot control everything in life, but you can control your reactions and responses to different situations.
- Practice gratitude: Practicing gratitude can help you to appreciate and accept what you have in your life. It can also help you to focus on the positive aspects of your life and let go of negative thoughts and feelings.
- Seek support: Seek support from friends, family, or a professional if you need help developing acceptance. A therapist or coach can provide guidance and support as you work towards cultivating acceptance in your life.
By practicing these steps, you can become more accepting and aligned with the flow of life. Remember, acceptance is a journey, and it takes time and effort to develop this practice. Be patient and kind to yourself as you work towards cultivating acceptance in your life.