One of the most counterintuitive truths about animal behavior: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Animal Behavior Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of animal behavior
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking animal behavior is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging animal behavior without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing animal behavior to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for animal behavior while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Animal Behavior
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting animal behavior, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Animal Behavior
Many people find that when they stop fighting animal behavior and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of animal behavior is partly the struggle against it.