Welcome back to season two of the Listening Ears podcast, your go-to podcast for self-awareness and your journey of self-discovery. I am your host, Vernae Bezear, and I am truly, truly happy to be with you again. 

Today's topic is a profound one: Finding Peace and Acceptance in the present moment. This is a journey that can be both challenging and transformative, but it's well worth embarking on.
We often find ourselves drifting away in memories of the past or anxious about the future, and in doing so, we forget the beauty of the now. However, the peace we seek often lies right here, right here, in the present moment.
As someone who has been on this journey, I want to share with you five ways that have helped me find peace and acceptance in the present moment.  Life can sometimes feel like an overwhelming whirlwind of activities, responsibilities and uncertainties. In these times, it's crucial that we learn to ground ourselves in the present, to find that peaceful sanctuary within us where we can rejuvenate, reflect and just be. So how do we find this sanctuary, you ask? 

Well, let me share them with you now.

Number one mindfulness. It's a word we hear all too often, but what exactly does it mean? Simply put, it's about being completely aware of what's happening right now. It's about fully, fully experiencing the taste of your morning cup of coffee, the feeling of the breeze on your skin, or the sound of laughter from a loved one or a close companion. It's about savoring the present, and in doing so we often find a deep sense of peace.

The second strategy is gratitude. It's a powerful practice that brings our attention to the good in our lives. Just taking a moment to appreciate our blessings, and gratitude can fill us with positivity and a deep sense of contentment.

Moving on to number three, breathing exercises. This might sound fairly simple, but, trust me, it is super, super, highly effective. Deep, mindful breathing can help calm our minds and our bodies, pulling us away from the clutter of worries and into the tranquility of the present.

The fourth strategy is all about self-acceptance. This means loving ourselves for who we are, including all of our strengths and all of our weaknesses. It means forgiving ourselves for our past mistakes and recognizing our potential, our true potential for growth. When we accept ourselves completely for who and what we are, we find a peace that is absolutely unshakable.

Finally, number five disconnect to reconnect. Nature has an incredible power to heal, reset, to bring us back to the present moment In our digital age. In this time of our lives, it's really easy to get swept up in the constant influx of information and social media updates. But by consciously unplugging from our devices and reconnecting with ourselves or with nature, we create a space where we can appreciate the here and the now. When you take a walk in the park or sit by a lake or any body of water, or simply just look up in the sky and observe the stars. When we connect with nature, we're reminded of our connection to the larger, infinite universe.

It's important to remember that finding peace and acceptance is definitely not an overnight process. 
It's a journey. It's a journey that requires patience and compassion toward ourselves. But the destination, the destination after that long journey, oh, it is beautiful. It is a place where we accept the past, relish the present, and welcome the future with an open heart. 

Thank you. Thank you for joining us today on Listening Ears, where we grow by listening, learning, and embracing the now. Until next time, stay present and stay inspired.