Being OK with "what is" is the starting point of Spiritual life. If we cannot accept what is arising and passing away in any given moment, inner peace will constantly elude us.

It's not uncommon for so called "Spiritual" people to miss this point entirely. In my travels, I have come across monks who have been living in monasteries most of their lives, who confessed to me that their lives were still a struggle.

When we fully accept and embrace whatever is happening right "NOW" with no resistance, how we experience the moment changes dramatically. By doing this, a "witnessing presence" is immediately invoked and we begin to relax. As you read this, how are you feeling right now? Is there any discomfort you are experiencing?

Close your eyes for a few moments and allow yourself to fully experience whatever you are feeling right now. It may be depression, anxiety, anger, irritation. Whatever it is, simply allow it to be and don't fight it.

In martial arts training, you disarm your opponent not by pushing against him, but by not resisting him. When he has nothing to push against, he has no power over you. Whatever it is that may be bothering you only has power if you resist it and struggle against it. The moment you fully allow it, it begins to subside. Even if you are quite peaceful right now, it's likely that sometime in the near future, you'll get a chance to put this into practice.

Having passed this threshold of understanding, the next challenge is to maintain this awareness at all times. This will take practice, as the "monkey mind" wants to maintain it's grip on you and will soon have you believing that something "sucks." To help you maintain awareness of being "OK with what is" I recommend the following:

1. Take time each day, about thirty minutes is optimal, to sit quietly, alone, with minimal distractions and simply “feel” into the moment. Thoughts will intrude sometimes, emotions may arise also. Allow everything to come and go, without interference.
2. As well as doing it by yourself, connect with a group of like-minded people who are also committed to living "in the present." If you can't find a group immediately, simply hold the intention and you'll be surprised what happens.
3. Seek the guidance of an experienced teacher. Such a person will lovingly draw you into "present centered awareness" and remind you when you have become "mind identified."

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Peace and Love to You.