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* Self Acceptance

by Val Boyko
Comments 24

being present

In the midst of difficulty
my curiosity is piqued
and I aim the lance of
self inquiry into the
center of my deepest fears.

I give myself permission
to feel exactly what I feel,
to be just as I am, and in
that self acceptance I find
energy, awareness, and a
thousand gifts I never
guessed were with me
all along.

~ Danna Faulds

Being present and self acceptance go hand in hand. When we are not fully aware of our negative thoughts and feelings, then we tend to believe that there is something wrong .. and something wrong with us. Taking time to be fully present with what we are thinking and feeling in that moment, is the gateway to self acceptance and all the gifts beyond.

This poem captures the essence of a mindful awareness practice that is at the heart of Kripalu Yoga. It is referred to as BRWFA: Breathe – Relax – Watch – Feel – Allow

Learn more by watching the video or clicking on the page The Practice of Being Present

24 comments on “* Self Acceptance”

  1. reocochran
    February 1, 2016

    I am glad you include positives since we all need to fight insecurities and concentrate on our good qualities. Val, you are extra special, I see your kindness in comments but don’t always visit enough. Take care, Robin

    Liked by 1 person

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  2. vanbytheriver
    February 1, 2016

    To be present, mindful…always a challenge in our busy lives. Nice reminder. 💖

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. In the Stillness of Willow Hill
    February 1, 2016

    “Into the center of our deepest fears”…used to feel so scary. Now….it is a dear, soft, healing place…….which may entail firestorms, hurricanes, or earthquakes….before the beautiful calm. Acknowledging all…YES YES

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    • Val Boyko
      February 1, 2016

      When we find the courage to open up in this way, it transfer our very being. Thank you Tree for sharing your journey to the gifts that await 💛

      Like

      Reply
  4. Healing Grief
    February 1, 2016

    So true, there are a thousand gifts in self acceptance. Love BRWFA too 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. belasbrightideas
    February 1, 2016

    And presence is, to me, the only means by which we are fully and authentically ourselves. What’s not to like? Maybe I’m not for everybody, but it’s good enough for those who love and cherish me. Aloha.

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  6. nrhatch
    February 1, 2016

    I’m going to adopt an attitude of “cheerful indifference” while allowing things to be as they are. Thanks, Val!

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  7. Jill Weatherholt
    February 2, 2016

    Negative thoughts can certainly spiral out of control if we allow them. Thanks, Val!

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. Kate @ Did That Just Happen?
    February 2, 2016

    Last night I was really struggling in yoga class, actually I’ve struggled in several classes lately, but last night, when I realized it, I just stopped and took a moment, and let stuff surface so I could acknowledge it, gave myself permission to feel it in that very safe environment, so hopefully, I’m getting better equipped to deal with it and sort it out off the mat! Love that poem! Thank you for sharing it Val!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Val Boyko
      February 2, 2016

      I was about to write some thoughts and decided to open my Yoga Gems book randomly to see what the inspiration is … “Yoga helps us dive deep into our unconscious, where the seeds of our ego thoughts and behaviors are found. On the way into the hidden recesses of our mind, we encounter all sorts of emotions that require cleaning out or transmutation. All the practices of Yoga are geared towards accomplishing this housecleaning and setting us free.” Georg Feuerstein
      You are right where you need to be on your journey Kate. Awesome 💕

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  10. Carol Ferenc
    February 2, 2016

    This is a wonderful post, Val. The lack of self-acceptance leads to so many other problems.

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. jmgoyder
    February 3, 2016

    Thank you for this Val.

    Liked by 1 person

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