How to Practice Radical Acceptance
Radical acceptance is a mindfulness technique that has changed my life. It’s the idea that you accept reality as it is, without fighting it or getting upset about it. It doesn’t mean you have to like it, but you can accept what is and stop fighting things that are outside of your control. When I learned about radical acceptance, I was able to take back control of my emotions and reactions.
When I think back to my past, I realize how emotionally reactive I was. A small bump in the road would throw me off track. I believed that if I didn’t react, then I didn’t care. Now, I can see how pointless and exhausting that was.
For example, if I spilled red wine on my favourite sweater, past me would have had a meltdown. I would have cried, freaked out, and let it ruin my entire day. Now, with radical acceptance, I can change my perspective. I tell myself, it is what it is. I can’t change the stain. Being upset won’t remove the stain. I can try to clean it, I can buy another one, or I can let it go. Dwelling on it won’t change what happened, but I can take back control of my reaction.
Radical acceptance isn’t just for small things. It’s a mindset that can be applied to many areas of your life. One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is in traffic. I used to get so upset sitting in traffic, getting angry at other drivers, or feeling like my time was wasted. Now, I accept that traffic is outside of my control. I put on my favourite music or listen to a podcast I enjoy, and I make the best of the moment. Getting angry or upset doesn’t make traffic go any faster, and it makes the experience worse for everyone in the car.
Radical acceptance can help you:
Learning radical acceptance isn’t always easy, and therapy can be a great tool to help you develop this mindset. Steyaert Counselling‘s London and Burlington Offices offer:
Absolutely! Radical acceptance reduces emotional distress and helps you manage anxiety better.
Not at all. It’s about accepting reality while choosing how to respond in a way that benefits you.
It varies for everyone, but consistent practice leads to noticeable improvements over time.
(If you answered ‘yes’ to most of these, radical acceptance might be just what you need!)
Radical acceptance isn’t something you can learn overnight. It takes practice, awareness, and patience. Start small and keep telling yourself, it is what it is.
If you want to explore this further, schedule an appointment with Hannah or Hailey now, or fill out our form below for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate life’s challenges with a healthier mindset.
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