August Theme - SELF ACCEPTANCE

This requires no introduction - we all struggle with varying levels of self-acceptance!
Closely aligned with the practice of bearing witness, self-acceptance is possible when we can compassionately examine our strengths and weaknesses in equal parts -- neither exalting nor shaming them with our judgment.
When we allow whatever emotions or state of mind that arises into our consciousness to simply be, we shine our light of awareness on them. We don’t have to love them; we simply allow them the space to exist.
Thich Nhat Hanh wrote about how we can approach certain emotions, like anger (after all, our weaknesses and strengths end up as mental imprints that trigger emotions): take whatever feeling that has arisen and look at it as if beholding a wounded child. This wounded child seeks validation/to be seen. And never forget kindness.