About 10 years ago, I was standing in a trailer in the Arizona desert. I was interacting with Eugene Albright. He was telling me that everyone had the right to exist – as they are. My body felt that truth. He was the most brilliant and humble man that I had ever met. Gene was more than a mentor and was sharing with me what he learned after his near death experience. He energetically took me into that awareness. I accepted as much of it as I could at the time. Accepting yourself is the only validation needed and when you do that – you realize validation is not required or real. Validation is a concept, but you exist and you are real and you are acceptable as you are.
This awareness came to my body again!
I was listening to a podcast called ReRooted. Francesca Maxime was interviewing Tada Hozumi about identity, trauma and privilege. About 35 minutes into the podcast, Tada was talking about insecure cultural attachment. As Tada explained this concept, they referenced an example of “not feeling deserving of being here,” (specifically on Turtle Island). My body reacted to their statement. I had been walking while listening to the podcast. I stopped moving. I became aware that there was the feeling of not having the right to exist. I suddenly was back in the trailer and Eugene was looking in my eyes saying people had the right to exist as they are – the two energies were crashing inside me.
I saw the trees around me existing without this question. I felt the universe waiting for humanity to self-recognize and recognize our connection with the universe. The absurdity of validation was collapsing as self-acceptance further ignited. I could feel what Tada and Francesca were talking about in a visceral way – at a root level…it was a deep wound for humanity.
Accepting yourself is the only validation needed
Since we exist, we have the right to be here and self-acceptance is most important. Tada and Francesca spoke of how the body knows the truth. And I could feel that waiting for a seat at the table provided by others is recognized by our bodies as an uncomfortable and lesser space.
How does it feel to you? You are here – you exist – you are not waiting for someone to give you a seat at the table they designed and may welcome you too. Welcome yourself to the right of your own existence. Accept yourself and how does that feel to your own body. Is there any higher validation? My body resonated with my acceptance of my own power! Validation as a concept dissipates in the presence of our own existence.
For a journey into the energy of self-acceptance, listen to this meditative conversation that came from my experience on the walk. (Audio file or embedded video):
Links to the ReRooted podcast with Francesca and Tada:
For part 1: Episode 15
https://beherenownetwork.com/francesca-maxime-rerooted-ep-15-tada-hozumi-pt-1/
For part 2: Episode 16
https://beherenownetwork.com/francesca-maxime-rerooted-ep-16-tada-hozumi-pt-2/