The Power of Acceptance

Book excerpt: What if, starting today, we stop thinking in terms of lack and imperfection? What if we stop trying to change reality with the power of our thoughts and intentions? What if we no longer think everything needs to be 'fixed', 'healed' or 'improved'? Many people are unhappy with their lives and circumstances. The source of their unhappiness can lie with their relationship, job, family, or with their own well-being. They wait and hope that their lives will become pleasant, but in reality the changes they can make are within their reach. If we suffer it is because we are trying to change life as it is into life as we want it. The great Dutch sinologist and Taoist Kristofer Schipper once said: 'The fight against the natural course of things is perhaps the greatest evil of our time.' What is good for you is usually whatever is happening right now. To surrender to this reality is not 'giving up' - to surrender is a celebration of real freedom. Acceptance can bring us feelings of liberation, strength and healing. This is really a book for everyone - everyone who is curious and eager to learn, everyone who is interested in real personal growth. With her elegant and intelligent writing - with fascinating contributions from world-renowned spiritual writers such as William Tiller and Lynne McTaggart - Annemarie shows us how acceptance is the path to enlightenment.