Acceptance and Gratitude

Sunset at Waihihi Bay, Russell, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Buddha said that life was suffering. He also said that suffering was caused by desire. Our desire is fueled by fear, sadness, frustration and envy. By dropping our feelings of desire, we can end our suffering.

The opposite of desire is acceptance and gratitude. If we accept our current circumstances, and embody a feeling of gratitude, we automatically give up our incessant desire that our circumstances should be different than they are. Our suffering will cease as well.

Once we embrace acceptance and gratitude, we can begin to change our circumstances, if that is what we choose to do. However, we will act from a place of peace, wisdom and love, rather than reacting out of fear and frustration.

Let's embrace acceptance and gratitude.