Hope for Healing: Radical Acceptance

I had never heard of Radical Acceptance until I was listening to a lady talk about how that's a therapy technique she's learned regarding handling her PTSD, etc.
Then I also noticed how my therapist kept mentioning "acceptance"
Then I also wrote a passage in my journal about how I need to accept that history happened the way it did
And then, lol, I noticed that when I stopped pondering and looking for explanations as to why, how, and why me, why us (over some stupid skin color), when I stopped focusing on all those details, and just started to say "It happened. It happened and here we are now. It happened the way it did." I noticed just a slight sense of RELEASE and almost like taking a breath and getting more oxygen in and a calmer heartbeat.

And when I mention the history of how we got here, I'm talking about how it started thousands of years ago. I would stress over wondering exactly what experiences and cultural systems led to such demented beliefs based on color (and not based on so many other differences). It's all the stupidest thing ever, and I was like, billions of people, over the course of all these years...this damn stupid. How is it possible, with the brains we have and otherwise amazing inventions and discoveries? How is it possible, for so many of us to internalize and be self-hating, which in turn, keeps the oppression going on all levels, from people of all shades? Okay, I'm doing it again....just how is this all possible?  

Okay, but anyway, moving on, so I asked ChatGpt

"What is radical acceptance in Psychology?"

Radical acceptance in psychology is a concept rooted in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), developed by Marsha Linehan. It refers to the complete and non-judgmental acceptance of reality as it is, without trying to change or resist it, even when that reality is painful or difficult. The idea is that suffering often stems not just from the situation itself but from the refusal to accept it.

Key elements of radical acceptance include:

• Acknowledgment: Recognizing the reality of the situation, whether it is fair or not.
• Letting go of judgment: Dropping judgments like "this shouldn't be happening" or "it's not fair," as these only intensify emotional suffering.
• Focus on what can be controlled: Accepting what cannot be changed and focusing on coping or taking steps within your control.

Radical acceptance is particularly helpful in reducing emotional suffering, managing stress, and moving forward from situations that are outside one's control. It doesn't mean agreeing with or approving of what happened but simply accepting the facts as they are.

Then I asked, "Give 5 ways to apply radical acceptance to injustices and trauma against Black people, historically and present."

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Note: I hate the word "resilience" but otherwise, this is promising & also, I'm only about resting at this point personally, but this is promising:

Applying radical acceptance to injustices and trauma experienced by Black people, both historically and in the present, can be a powerful tool for emotional and psychological resilience. It does not mean condoning or approving of these injustices but rather accepting their reality while also empowering action and healing. Here are five ways to apply radical acceptance in this context:

1. Acknowledge the Painful Reality of Racism and Injustice

• Application: Reflect on the truth of these experiences without engaging in self-blame, shame, or trying to rationalize why they happened. Understand that systemic oppression is real, and part of healing is accepting its existence, even as you work to change it.

2. Release the Need for Immediate Justice

• While the pursuit of justice is vital, radical acceptance can help alleviate some of the emotional suffering that comes from constantly expecting or waiting for justice. Accepting that justice may not always be served—at least not in the way or timeline one hopes—helps shift focus from the uncontrollable to what can be influenced.
• Application: Practice accepting that injustice is part of the current reality, while also dedicating yourself to actions that contribute to long-term change, such as advocacy, education, and empowerment, without getting trapped in the frustration of unmet expectations.

3. Focus on Personal and Collective Healing

• Trauma from racism and oppression can lead to generational pain. Radical acceptance means recognizing that this trauma exists and focusing on ways to heal yourself and your community from the effects of racism, even if the external systems that caused the pain are slow to change.
• Application: Engage in self-care practices, therapy, community support, and cultural healing traditions that help process and recover from trauma. This might include art, storytelling, spiritual practices, or activism that centers Black joy and resilience.

4. Accept the Limits of Control While Empowering Action

• Radical acceptance does not mean passivity. It involves recognizing what you cannot change (the historical fact of oppression) while focusing on the things you can control, such as your response, your mental and emotional well-being, and the actions you take in your daily life.
• Application: Channel energy into positive actions, whether through grassroots activism, educating others, or nurturing your community. This can include supporting Black-owned businesses, advocating for policy changes, or mentoring others while accepting that systemic change takes time.

5. Accept and Honor the Complexity of Emotions

• In the face of racism and trauma, emotions like anger, grief, and sadness are natural and valid. Radical acceptance involves recognizing these feelings without judgment, allowing yourself to feel them, and understanding that they are part of the process.
• Application: Instead of suppressing or denying difficult emotions, allow space for them. Engage in healthy emotional outlets such as journaling, meditation, artistic expression, or dialogue with trusted people. Understand that it's okay to feel multiple emotions simultaneously—grief for the past and present, but also hope for the future.

By applying radical acceptance, Black individuals and communities can find pathways to emotional liberation, resilience, and healing while still pursuing justice and equity in society.