Mindful Running + the Mindfulness Quality Acceptance

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” –Carl Rogers

I find a lot of comfort in this quote, and am struck by how radical this idea is. When I accept myself just as I am, I can change. The goal is not to change, change is simply a result of practicing acceptance.

As a runner, I sometimes have the feeling of wishing I was to the next stage of training, a little bit faster, or more accomplished. However, these wishes don’t serve me. They place my attention on a hypothetical future. In a single training session, if I followed my whim and pushed myself too hard, as if I were to that next stage of training, I risk injury, burnout, and self-defeat. On the other hand, when I practice acceptance, I am discerning. I see the truth of where I am in my training plan, and run at the capacity I am capable of in that moment. It doesn’t mean I never push myself, or that I stay stuck because I don’t dream bigger. It means I recognize my limitations and potential and forge my way forward with respect to my unique circumstances of the moment.

Outside of the run, the principle remains the same. I may wish I looked different, may promise to love myself when I reach my goal weight, or make choices based in fear. When I remain stuck in wishful thinking, hypotheticals, or fears it is difficult to know how to be true to myself. Acceptance of my reality gives me the opportunity to honor my truth and make intentional, present-based choices. I can love myself today despite my wishes, whims, wants, and fears because I accept myself just as I am.

“Acceptance simply means that you have come around to a willingness to see things as they are.” –Jon Kabat-Zinn from The Full Catastrophe of Living