“Awakening self-compassion
is often the greatest challenge
people face on the spiritual path."

— Tara Brach 

In her book, Radical Acceptance, Tara Brach states that “radical acceptance is the willingness to experience ourselves and our lives as it is." She asks the question, “what would it be like if I could accept life–accept this moment–exactly as it is?" As she began understanding this idea, she said, “I found myself praying: “May I love and accept myself just as I am."

Perhaps Tara Brach is right: “awakening self-compassion is often the greatest challenge people face on the spiritual path." I know that it is awakening within me, if only in small steps toward that fulfillment.

We all need to consider giving ourselves a break. For our thoughts that don’t serve us. For our acting without thinking it through. For not accepting our life and ourselves as we are right this moment. For so-called mistakes made recently or long ago. For not accepting our own contradictions. As we pause, and look at that which is going on right this moment, and see it for what it is, as it is, we give ourselves the power to view it curiously, and without animosity.

Wouldn’t that also be a great way to look at what goes on at our job too? It is what it is. Look upon it curiously and without judgment. And, our personal relationships. Pause. I see my wife is upset right now. I see my son is angry right now. I see my husband is impatient right now. I’m seeing what I’m seeing as if I’m not attached to it. It has no power over me. I accept it as it is at this moment. I can love them anyway. I can love myself anyway. I can love my life right this moment anyway. I can be at peace anyway.