The Power Of Acceptance & Authenticity
by Beth Budesheim

Acceptance
Acceptance facilitates a pathway towards joy.
Resistance fuels feelings of frustration, fear, sadness and lack.
Acceptance is not 'giving in'. Acceptance is a very empowering choice that connects you back to the reality of the true divine self. In acceptance, there is reconnection to the peace and knowing within. It is a connection to the Truth that all is always in divine order, that you have within you the ability to experience the happiness you desire, that all is accessable in the present moment and that all is taken care of. Acceptance is power. Acceptance is Love. Acceptance is Truth.

Authenticity
Authenticity is acceptance of the self in the present moment. It is clear connection to exactly what you are feeling in this moment. It is true honest expression of what you know is true for you in the moment. Resistance to the truth of what you feel leads to anxiety, feeling discouraged, feeling disconnected from others, and lack of depth & intimacy in relationships. Authenticity says "who I am is enough". Authenticity says, 'this is what I know, even though it might not be what I or you expected." Authenticity is power. Authenticity is Love. Authenticity is Truth.

Authenticity and acceptance weave together, each supporting the other, to create a bouyant vehicle upon which you may rise above to more clarity and peace for any troubling circumstance and emotion. For instance, let's look at the situation of feeling hurt and frustrated because a relationship isn't working the way you'd envisioned it. First, you must acknowledge that you are feeling hurt & frustrated. This is your authentic truth in the moment. Now, these feelings are present because you are wishing things were different. You feel a resistance to what is and wish you could change it. You have an attachment. You will find if you let go, and accept what is, as it is in this moment, that your anxiety, frustration and pain will ease. Acceptance doesn't necessarily mean drawing conclusions. Acceptance doesn't mean that you are putting up with behaviors or relationships that aren't in your best interest. And, acceptance doesn't have to mean "it's over, there is no hope". It does mean "For right now, I release wanting things to be different and I accept the way it is right now in this moment. I release any behaviors that are attempts to change the situation or the other person in any way." When you really get this, the heart opens. Love for the other person, and yourself fills your body like a soothing warmth. There is a letting go of needing to control and an entering into more clarity, trust, faith, connection to intuition and true self strength. It is a beautiful beautiful place to be. It is a place that feels safe, loving, and tangibly filled with Divine Spirit. Once in this space, even deeper authenticity is accessed. No longer are thoughts and actions driven by fears and ego. In this space, all is guided by Truth & Love which leads to peace and clarity. Often you will magically experience yourself, the other person and the situation in a new way, a way that feels good, loving, happy, content and playful. Why is this? It is because acceptance and authenticity bring us into the present moment, release us from the grips of the ego, and lead us out of the mind into the heart.

Acceptance and authenticity are an aspect of the Divine Feminine. They are receptive, allowing, flowing and nurturing. This is not passivity; it is allowing oneself to slow down just enough to tap into the great wisdom & joy within. Nurture these aspects of yourself. Practice acceptance & authenticity in various areas & situations in your life and you will find yourself feeling empowered, carried, and supported by the Divine Feminine. You will experience more peace, ease, happiness and fulfillment in all aspects of your life. You will move from black and white to full color! It is Spring, the time of the Divine Maiden. Authenticity and acceptance will set your inner maiden free to be all she is, to embrace her/your inner knowing, your fresh joy in the possibilities of your life, your true vibrant expression and love in being alive and thriving in your experience.

Beth Budesheim©2007

Beth Budesheim
ARTIST * HEALING PRACTITIONER * INTUIITIVE READINGS- ATP®
www.paintedjourneys.com
www.BeLoveNow.org