Reflecting on the early years for practice–how we often try to get free of difficult states by engaging in battle with them. Gradually, we learn to shift from fighting mindstates to receiving them with an open heart. We see that there is a softening taking place simply through being willing to embrace them.
Acceptance is neither passive nor indifferent, but an alive, responsive relationship to all of life. Wise acceptance, including self acceptance, is the gateway to peace, deep understanding and freedom in our life.
Our world, thought and experience are shaped by our intentions, some of which lead to suffering and struggle while others lead to happiness and freedom. We learn to cultivate the wise intentions of loving kindness, compassion and renunciation which are the forerunners of wise attention.
