Radical Acceptance#
Distress ToleranceWeek 8Radical acceptance is:#
- Accepting that this current moment is inevitable
- Accepting that changing reality requires accepting it first
- Accepting that the past is the past, and what happens now is the part that we can control
- Acceptance can feel very hard, especially if:
- We feel strongly that we’ve been harmed
- There has been an injustice
- We feel we have been unfairly treated
All of this can heighten our distress levels.
Learning to accept is a pivotal step in managing impulsivity. Accepting does not mean that we like the situation, approve of it, or even understand it. We only have to accept that, right now, we cannot change it.
- It means that we need to focus on regulating our emotions as a priority to all else.
- It will call for you to look at yourself & the world at a completely different angle.
How to accept reality#
- Recognise that we are rejecting reality
- Make the choice to begin accepting reality as it is
- Breathe mindfully paying attention to your body, your senses & your surroundings
- Try to smile even if it’s a small one
- Rehearse your next steps. Cope ahead & visualise how to approach the situation
- Practise willingness.
- Remember to stay on reality road. If you start to drift, remind yourself of why you needed to accept in the first place.