A summer repost from Sept. 18, 2024
I recently watched the new Avatar movie, Way of Water. Just as the prequel it was action packed and had more than one message in it.
But it had me questioning my true welcoming spirit. Just as in the previous movie, the phrase, “I see you,” signifies the acceptance of others despite their differences.
This phrase made me rethink how I see myself welcoming others, and do I welcome everyone even though I don’t agree with them? I always thought I was pretty tolerant of others and who they were, but was I welcoming? Did I truly accept people for who they are?
Welcoming someone does not mean that I have to agree with them, approve of them or be friends with them. I try to accept them for who they are and I try to be at peace with them. Setting my boundaries to be in their presence and protect myself is always important to me.
I’ve started to shift my attitude to acceptance instead of judgment. I started to just think of them and say in my mind, “I accept you completely, I accept that you don’t recycle.” “I accept that you don’t understand me.” “I accept that you are a narcissist.” I don’t have to like it, but I accept the person for who they are.
Welcoming a person completely for who they are and accepting them allows me to release my judgements, irritability, narrow views, grievances and remorse. This opens me up to peace and relief. I can also prepare myself by creating boundaries and guidelines for myself while interacting with them. It’s difficult sometimes, and I am not perfect, so I do have to remind myself sometimes.
When someone does welcome and accepts me fully it is a wonderful feeling.
~Candice Currier Carver
