We live in a world full of pain. No one can deny that. Realistically, there is far more suffering than happiness that exists in this world. A cheerful thought, right? But material goods and wealth cannot calm the mind, which has no use for any progress besides that which stems from mindfulness. Choosing to be actively aware of humanity and of ourselves is the best way to process that which we cannot always change.

Social constructs such as money and standardized work, a system which condemns life, allows no room for spiritual development. In fact, it may be doing just the opposite - providing a framework for unhealthy captivation by media, the education system, and by corrupt politics. Choosing to ignore the inevitability of suffering may numb one to the realities of life, but choosing acceptance is the best way to navigate our world while increasing our own awareness. Here's how.

Be open to knowledge.

They say ignorance is bliss. Truthfully, ignorance is only that - ignorance. It is our tendency to think, as intelligent creatures, but also our tendency to protect our mental well-being. It's easy to ignore. What's hard is to think about and process what causes us pain. To feel pain about the world is not weakness - it's consciousness. It means you're a sentient human being. Observing crises such as starvation and illness, which affect millions of people worldwide, should bring about feelings of sadness and anger. That's because we connect with others - even if we don't want to - over what allows us to live. Food, water, and shelter are necessities, but not everyone has access to them. It's not a happy thought. It's not a happy feeling to understand what that means. However, choosing acceptance doesn't mean we choose to live happily with what upsets us. It means that we choose for ourselves whether to take action or not. It means we come to understand our own privilege, what makes us whole, what allows us to connect with and help others. It's expanding our consciousness and embracing our uncomfortable emotions.

Be open to others.

No one is perfect and everyone struggles. Accept others for who they are and you may begin to understand why people behave the way they do. Don't become angry with others or stressed about what others might be thinking. A world of radical acceptance is a world where everyone is free to be themselves.

Choose to accept yourself.

Maybe I'm a big ol' hippy liberal. Maybe I reek of patchouli and talk to trees. Or maybe I'm coming to realize that I'm sensitive to the world, and that's okay. I can conquer my own suffering and aid others in overcoming theirs. I can choose to accept myself and the world around me while navigating healthy paths to explore how myself and others operate. It isn't always easy. It's never necessarily fun. But knowledge is power, and we all deserve the power to sit with ourselves and think - truly think - about if what we're doing on a daily basis is conducive to creating a rich life experience, excluding the material and what others may tell us.

Today, I choose to accept the day as it comes. I choose to accept and understand those around me. I choose to radically accept myself rather than judge and critique.

What do you choose?