A couple of months ago I read an article on a Japanese tradition called Shugendō, which combines folk traditions with Buddhism and Shinto. Their main practices are pilgrimages, rituals and retreats, often very austere, in the sacred mountains. When the pilgrimage guide gives instructions – "We will now climb Mt. Haguro." "We will now walk through the night." – the pilgrims respond with "Uketamo," which means "I accept."

That's the phrase and practice that interests me. "I accept."

The article compares and contrasts this practice with Stoicism. But it reminds me of the stance that Douglas Brooks talks about in Rajanaka yoga. Receive what the universe is offering you. That's the first step of yoga. Engage. 

I like that "I accept" gives me a more conscious role and a sense of agency in the receiving. It's been helpful for me in the past months when the universe has offered me hard things. For instance, when Kai was struggling and I had to take him out several times in the middle of the night, I thought to myself "I accept" as I put on my shoes. There have been harder situations, too, in which I found that phrase helpful. 

Sometimes the hard challenge might be something easy and simple. Sometimes the universe might be offering the opportunity to play. Can I accept that too?

The key, I think, is becoming more discerning in what the universe is offering you and what you're accepting. Sometimes it's offering me the opportunity to look more closely at myself or something I believe or have done.

I can accept that I have work to do. I can accept who I am. I can accept who someone else is. I can accept that I need to work to change something, or that nothing can be done. 

It becomes more subtle and nuanced with practice. And the emotions are great resources and tools here. With "I accept," I feel like it brings a little more clarity, and energy is freed up for more effective action rather than ineffective resistance.

Flow returns, or at least a trickle.  

That's my take on it. You can click here and here to read more on these practices and see what you make of it.