Something that has been a core concept in some forms of therapies is radical acceptance. Radical acceptance is something that is built into DBT therapy, which we’ve covered before. Mindfulness is a commonly used technique in different types of therapy. Radical acceptance is something that originates in Buddhism, much like other ideas from mindfulness.
So What is Radical Acceptance?
Within this system, pain and suffering come mainly from not being able to accept the things that happen in life. This is also something we see in ACT. Not being able to accept setbacks or disappointments can contribute to negative mental health consequences. When we focus on something not going right it can make us forget the things that are doing well in our lives. Or it can make us forget that we’ve survived other things in the past and this will, too, shall pass.
How Does Radical Acceptance Work?
This will depend on if you’re doing it with a clinician or if you’re using radical acceptance just one your own. A clinician will have their own ways of approaching how they teach this. However, this is something you can do on your own if you’re just trying to be more mindful. It is not a replacement for medication, therapy, or any other professional treatment you may be receiving for a condition.
Engaging in this form of mindfulness involves being aware of how you’re responding to situations in your life. If you notice that you’re being resistant to situations or that you’re focusing heavily on negative things, it could be time to start reminding yourself of other options. That life is not necessarily about being fair even though this moment is hard, for example. Or that you managed the day well despite the things that went wrong.
Isn’t That Just Toxic Positivity?
Not exactly. Toxic positivity requires that you don’t acknowledge negative things at all. It says that you shouldn’t be sad, no matter what. That negative emotions are not acceptable. Radical acceptance requires that you acknowledge that while bad things happen and that you’re allowed to feel sad, you shouldn’t dwell on it.