Embracing the Radical: Self-love, Acceptance, and Helping
When we think of the word 'radical', thoughts of political extremes or disruptive societal change might come to mind. Yet, the word radical truly only means 'fundamental' or 'root.' If we choose to reclaim this word, we can begin to understand the potential to foment positive change in the lives of ourselves and our communities by practicing radical self-love, radical acceptance, and the radical decision to help others in their time of need.
Radical Self-Love
The outside world does a fine enough job bombarding us with messaging that claims we are not good enough without our help. Knowing this, we can understand why embracing radical self-love is part of our path toward transformation. When we embrace radical self-love, we not only accept our flaws, but our full selves in our entirety with compassion. This type of love dictates that we make our mental, physical, and emotional health a priority; we do this by creating healthy boundaries and engaging in behavior that honors our most authentic selves.
Radical self-love doesn't need titles, trophies, or awards. It allows us to recognize our worth outside of societally approved achievements and appearances. Instead, this concept celebrates our innate value as humans. Starting with the self, we not only improve our lives, but we can create a ripple effect by inspiring those around us to begin their own journey toward growth.
Radical Acceptance of Others
We are so lucky to live on such a beautifully diverse planet. However, diversity, to some, can be seen as a threat. Fully embracing radical acceptance is an antidote to this misguided fear. This goes further than tolerance; it asks us to totally embrace the differences that make each individual unique. When we can, empathetically and without judgment, value the perspectives and experiences of others, even if they are different than our own, we can build a society where each person feels heard.
Engaging in radical acceptance means listening and becoming a better listener. Remember that stepping outside our comfort zones and examining our biases can allow us to foster more genuine connections with people who may not initially seem to have much in common with us. With so much diversity at our fingertips, it is a cosmic waste to not fully accept the authenticity of our fellow humans.
Radical Helping
Reacting positively in times of crisis is difficult, but radical helping shows solidarity with our community. Often, our instinct is to go inward during times of crisis; it is a natural form of self-preservation. However, stepping up during tumultuous times is profoundly impactful as it demonstrates the interconnectedness and strength we gain when we form a societal safety net for one another.
Being a radical helper doesn't require donating millions to charity or flying to every location struck by a natural disaster. Instead, it begins on the local level, your level. Listening to a friend in need, bringing meals to the unhoused, or helping an elderly neighbor with home repairs are all powerful acts of radical helping. Regardless of their size, acts of kindness establish a culture of care, resilience, and respect. When we help, we let those around us know they will not be alone in their darkest times.
Reclaiming the Radical
When we reclaim the word 'radical,' we allow our brains to shift our perspective from the point of fear to one of empowerment and transformation. Radical self-love, acceptance of others, and helping can make the world more just and compassionate. These three acts ask us to once again examine the meaning of the word, which is 'root'. We must nourish the roots of humanity with love and acceptance and help to contribute to our communities' healing. It is time to reclaim the word 'radical,' use its power for positive change, and create a world where each one of us has the capacity and opportunity to thrive!
