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October 2023
The Beauty of the Bear: Embracing Acceptance Over Resistance
In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves resisting the natural flow of life. We're constantly battling our inner demons, trying to control every aspect of our existence. But have you ever considered the metaphor of the bear in the field?
Imagine driving down a scenic road, and suddenly, you spot a majestic bear in the field. Your immediate reaction might be to slam on the brakes, jump out of the car, and attempt to chase the bear away. But why? Why do we feel this compulsion to confront and control? In reality, confronting a bear would be a losing battle. Instead, we could have simply admired the beauty of the bear from the safety of our car, appreciating its presence in our lives.
This metaphor beautifully encapsulates our tendency to resist life as it is. We often fight against our current circumstances, wishing things were different, instead of accepting and embracing them. But just like the bear in the field, some things are better admired from a distance, without the need for confrontation.
Recent articles, such as "Embracing the bear" by Terri Windling and "We're Going on a Bear Hunt: A Metaphor for Trauma and Healing" by The Counsellors Cafe, delve into similar themes of acceptance and understanding. They highlight the importance of acknowledging our feelings and emotions without necessarily acting on them.
In our coaching, we emphasize the significance of acceptance. By accepting our lives as they are, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We begin to see the beauty in every situation, even the challenging ones. We learn to grow from our experiences, transforming from playing small to unleashing our inner Giant.
It's essential to remember that acceptance doesn't mean complacency. It means understanding our emotions, recognizing our patterns, and choosing how we want to respond. It's about transcending our past and reaching our fullest potential.
So, the next time you find yourself resisting life, remember the bear in the field. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and choose acceptance over resistance. Embrace the beauty of the present moment and watch as your life transforms in ways you never imagined.
With love,
Nicholas T Smith
Author, The Giants and the Smalls
This article was created in collaboration with ChatGPT and AI.
Word of the Month: Acceptance
Acceptance is the act of agreeing to or receiving something with approval. It can also refer to the belief or recognition that an idea, explanation, or proposal is valid.
Acceptance (pronounced: ak-SEP-tuhns) originates from the Latin word "acceptare," which means "to take or receive willingly." In a formal context, acceptance is defined as the process or state of being received or approved, often signifying agreement or consent. It can pertain to various scenarios, such as acknowledging the truth of a statement, approving a proposal, or embracing someone's presence or ideas without objection
