Member-only story
Another Benefit of an Acceptance Mindset
In the previous article on Having an Acceptance Mindset, I shared some of the benefits to yourself, others, and society when we become more accepting of ourselves, others, situations, and events. There is another benefit to the Acceptance Mindset I’d like to share with you.
According to Stanford University neuroscientist Jamil Zaki, in his book The War for Kindness, empathy strengthens connection by helping us understand the person we’re accepting. It also benefits the person expressing it because signaling acceptance improves our collective sense of belonging. Empathy brings more energy to both parties.
We are complex beings, incapable of perfection. Or are we complex, perfect beings? Do our perceived faults perfectly support our perceived qualities? For instance, I am a sensitive person. Sensitive to criticism and cutting remarks, but also sensitive to other people’s feelings. Sometimes, this can make me less than pleasant to be around, especially when I become moody and withdrawn.
However, this sensitivity may also drive my passionate pursuit of becoming the best writer I can be. It also helps me empathize and better see other people’s perspectives, which are definitely two of my more positive traits.
Perhaps we need to stop thinking of our characteristics as being positive or negative and…
