It’s the opposite of rejection and exclusion.
For the concept of acceptance, the challenge of accepting the others is often rooted in the challenge of self-acceptance. Sometimes we misunderstand the word and think of it as unconditional embrace of the good and the bad.
In a way, it is. After practiced with myself and the others, I have learned this: acceptance means we accepting the truth about ourselves, the truth that we make mistakes, we are unable from time to time, we are strong and vulnerable, and we have unmet needs.
In another layer, it isn’t. Acceptance doesn’t mean settling or pretending. It doesn’t mean we can’t point out the things that are not working and room to improve. It doesn’t mean everything will be fine regardless. It doesn’t mean it’s either this or that.
What acceptance offers us is: a chance to connect.
