5 Ways to Practice Acceptance
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“The world we have created is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”
I think that’s such a powerful quote, especially when it comes to the acceptance of one another.
We often focus on the differences in our opinions and beliefs and forget one of the most important things about being human is that we have the unique ability to connect with one another through language and empathy. Our differences are highlighted everywhere we look, we’ve been quarantining and social distancing for months, it’s easy to focus on ways we do not get along with each other. We might even forget that are neighbors are actually pretty nice people!
There is so much that actually binds us together. Why not focus on what we have in common, rather than artificial differences?
Here are five ways to look past our differences and to practice acceptance.
1. Common Experiences
When you look at someone at first glance, you might think that you don’t have anything in common with them. However, if you engage in a discussion with them and ask questions, you may find out the opposite. We all have had common experiences that all of us can relate to.
For example:
Falling in love
Losing someone we care about
Experiencing a personal crisis or loss (such as an illness or injury)
Questioning our place in the world
Feeling comfort in friendship
If you find yourself in the company of someone you think you don’t have anything in common, start up a healthy conversation. You might be surprised by what you learn.
2. Understanding One’s Hopes and Dreams
Just as we all have common experiences, we also have similar hopes and dreams. Granted, these are big-picture concepts. Of course, everyone is going to have varying hopes, dreams, and aspirations in their lives. Yet, when you look at things from a wide-lens perspective, we actually have a lot in common.
For instance:
Being successful in one’s job or career
Pursuing passions, such as hobbies or sports
Wanting to be connected and understood by our partners
Having a goal and striving towards it
Ultimately we all want to be successful and achieve our dreams. We may go about it a little differently, or we might have to overcome different obstacles. But the general concept is the same.
3. The Role of Family
Everyone has a different perspective on what family means to them. But that doesn’t matter in the big-picture sense. It’s that desire to feel acceptance and belonging that’s most important. Maybe you find that sense of family from having a partner and raising kids in the suburbs. Or perhaps it’s finding a group of friends who have become your adopted family.
Plus, there’s usually a common desire to give back to the next generation. That may mean giving back by volunteering with the youth in your community, being a foster parent, or fulfilling that role as an aunt or uncle. And you’ll find that many other people do similar things, no matter how different they may seem in other aspects.
4. “Where Were You When…?”
This question is often asked when we are shaken by world events. For one generation, it was when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, TX. For another, it was when the twin towers fell on September 11, 2001.
And for a new generation, COVID-19 provides a unifying experience. Everyone has been affected by the disease in some way, whether it’s by having to wear a mask in public, fears of getting sick, or perhaps becoming ill or losing someone you love.
It’s these historic moments that can help you to look past perceived differences and allow you to discover our common humanity.
5. Working Towards a Goal
One final way to look past our differences and practice acceptance is when working with other people towards a common goal. This is easier to accomplish on a smaller scale where you can have daily interactions with other people.
For example:
Working on projects or assignments as part of your job
Volunteering in the community
Helping your neighbor when in need
Participating in local government, such as on a board or commission
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These days it can feel as if our divisions will never heal. Yet, there are ways to bridge the gap and find acceptance. Seek out common experiences that you might have with others, consider how you could relate to someone else, and find ways to connect through work or in the community.
They may seem inconsequential, but these little moments can help bring us all closer together.