That's space, Julia.

Hi, it's Sam here.

Welcome to Radio Headspace and to Thursday.

So as a mindfulness teacher, I'm often asked what mindfulness means.

One definition that I like is that mindfulness is our innate capacity to pay attention on

purpose with openness, curiosity, and kindness and a willingness to be with things as they

are.

Recent research on mindfulness has shown that the last part of the definition, the willingness

to be with things as they are or acceptance, is one of the most impactful aspects of mindfulness.

When we are resisting a situation in our lives like an illness or difficult emotions,

we are to a certain degree at war with ourselves.

This internal battle drains us of energy, it keeps us stuck in resistance, and can even

lead to depression and anxiety.

So how do we get to acceptance?

First, acceptance allows us to see what we can and can't control.

It allows us to observe the vast landscape of our minds without our perspective being

obstructed by judgment and impulsivity.

By giving ourselves time to survey the feelings, thoughts, and sensations that we may be reacting

to, we cultivate a clearer perspective.

An action coming from clarity is more skillful than the emotion-driven reactions that we may

feel initially.

Sometimes, we think we've accepted something difficult, but some part of us is still resisting,

...