We may have a deep-seated belief that we will be punished for our desire, our empathy and passion. That we are somehow flawed because we feel deeply. We may even care too much about the opinions of others and not know how to let go. We may experience the suffering that our co-dependency creates.
Self-acceptance begins with admitting that we are human and that we are perfect as we are. That we have everything we need and do not have to search for it out there, in others, objects, or even in achievements. Pursuing what we love and believe in has value but it does not complete us. We are already whole.
Many of us have gotten into trouble because we think, perhaps subconsciously, that we are not enough: not smart enough, attractive enough, healed enough. And our participation in spiritual communities will sometimes contribute to our striving and over-achieving.
To connect with our innate desire is to want to live a realized life. It means accepting ourselves as we are. Standing in our purpose and maintaining connection to voice. It also means when we temporarily lose our voice we commit to finding it again. That, like trees in a storm, we stay firmly rooted in our somatic, sensual nature.