Mindful Nugget: Stance of Acceptance

This mindful nugget is about the power of acceptance. We always say in yoga that the mind informs the body and the body informs the mind. The way that we think and physically position ourselves is powerful. This practice is about how the body can inform the mind and can even inform how others respond to us.

The Practice:

Sit down in a chair or on a couch and place your feet flat on the floor. Open your hands and lay them comfortably in your lap with your palms facing up. If you are about to have a conversation with someone in person, face them in this stance. However, the stance of acceptance works equally well if you are connecting with someone virtually or talking on the phone. The other person does not need to see your open palms for it to work. The reason it works even if others cannot see your open palms is because your body is informing your mind and that is what changes the energy in interactions.

This position is understood in most cultures as the stance of acceptance. When you position yourself this way you are communicating to yourself and all of those around you that you are practicing accepting the thoughts and feelings that may arise in you in this moment. This allows you to think and feel freely and often invites others around you to do the same. You will notice if you practice this regularly that you will most likely move through challenging conversations and personal experiences with more ease.  Approach this practice with curiosity and see what shows up.

It is important to reiterate that when we practice acceptance, we are practicing accepting what thoughts and feelings arise in us, not necessarily what is happening to or around us. This is an important distinction, particularly if someone is breaking healthy boundaries with you and/or putting you in a position that could be harmful.  We never accept harm or injustice. If this is happening, we set firm boundaries and whenever possible remove ourselves from potentially harmful situations.