In Part 3 of our series on feeling Alive, we explore the second of the three A's: Acceptance.

Hope you enjoy this one!

Zoom Summary:

The Three A’s to Feeling Alive

Kay discussed the second installment of a series focusing on the three A’s to feel alive, following awareness with acceptance. Kay emphasized the importance of personalization in learning, encouraging participants to engage with the content in a way that works best for them rather than adhering to a strict structure. Kay then transitioned to discussing the concept of awareness, inviting participants to reflect on its meaning for themselves.

Venn Diagram of Aliveness Concepts

Kay discussed a Venn diagram about aliveness, explaining that movement through the diagram starts with awareness and then moves to acceptance. She noted that the word “disconnected” was near the awareness circle and “exhausted” was near the acceptance circle, suggesting a connection between being disconnected and lack of awareness, and between exhaustion and acceptance.

Radical Acceptance Concepts Discussion

Kay discussed the concept of radical acceptance, explaining how it involves allowing circumstances to be as they are rather than trying to control them. She outlined three qualities of acceptance: “own business minding” (practicing appropriate involvement in others’ lives), curiosity, and trust.

Own Business Minding Concept Discussion

Kay discussed the concept of “own business minding,” which involves understanding and accepting one’s own truth while letting go of control over others’ actions. She emphasized the importance of acceptance over judgment, referencing Walt Whitman’s idea that curiosity is better than judgment. Kay encouraged participants to reflect on their own experiences related to these concepts and invited them to share their thoughts via email.

Components of Acceptance Discussion

Kay discussed the components of acceptance, which include curiosity about someone’s experience, open-mindedness, and trust. Kay emphasized that trusting can be challenging due to fears of betrayal or misplacement of trust, but emphasized that acceptance involves embracing reality as it is rather than wishing it to be different.

Acceptance and Aliveness Concepts

Kay discussed the concept of acceptance as part of a series on aliveness and agency. She encouraged listeners to reflect on how acceptance applies to their own lives and suggested exploring this topic with friends, therapists, or coaches. Kay also introduced a diagram showing the opposites of feelings that help us feel alive, including suspicion, anxiety, and over-control, which can help identify the need for acceptance.

Invitations from me

Come to the retreat that I'm hosting in September

Or, hear more about it

Come be in company with some like-minded souls

Connect with me to talk about coaching or facilitation

Thank you for being here with me

Love, Kay

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