Rabbi Dr. Rachel Posner, Beth El Synagogue, "Compassion: A Jewish Path Towards Acceptance"
Compassion: A Jewish Path Towards Acceptance —Rabbi Dr. Rachel Posner Psychological flexibility is a cornerstone of mental health. It represents a kind of freedom, a graceful way to be in this world. The skill of acceptance lies at the heart of psychological flexibility. Yet acceptance is one of the most misunderstood psychological concepts. Acceptance does not mean we approve or endorse behaviors that are misguided or abusive; it does not mean we enjoy our suffering, or glorify our pain. Acceptance does not mean that we give up working for positive change in ourselves and in the world. Rather, acceptance means allowing and acknowledging what is. Acceptance is a way of gracefully being with the truth, of allowing ourselves to open up to reality as it exists both inside ourselves and in the outside world. Struggling against reality helps no one. Acceptance may be particularly ...