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