We take a pause in our examination of acu-points to consider one of the Gifts of the Metal Element. The Gifts convey the essential goodness, the deepest nature of the Elements. These qualities touch the parts of us that are the higher expressions of our soul. They connect with those places where beauty touches us and where art and music find their landing places within us. I invite you to explore the Metal quality of acceptance within yourself.

Acceptance

In psychological terms acceptance means assenting to the reality of a situation without attempting to change it, protest against it or run away from it. This does not mean that we like the situation or give whole-hearted support to it, but there is an acknowledgement of the truth that this is the way things are in this moment.

It is a common view that we need to bring acceptance to the things we do not like, but really, it applies to all the things of life. It can become an acceptance of everything that life has to offer. Acceptance is a posture that is full, alive, present to life and an active welcoming of whatever is happening. It is not resignation or submission or collapse. It is a breathing-in of life in all its manifestations. It is an active meeting of life in the moment, a simple recognition of that which is right here, right now.

This wider sense of the word is reminiscent of Rumi’s poem The Guest House in which the poet invites us to welcome and entertain all experiences, whether joyful or sorrowful, because all can be seen as guides for our growth.

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~ Rumi

Further exploration

• What are some of the things you are able to accept? What is difficult to accept?

• What lies in the way of accepting things as they are right now?