Many people misunderstand what it means to be in a state of acceptance. They think it means agreeing with or submitting to whatever happens to be their lot or, as some would say, their "karma." If that were the case, there would be no growth, either personal or social. Old practices would not be challenged to make way for new ones, injustices would not be righted, and personal obstacles would not be overcome.

To accept life as it is means coming to terms with those things we cannot change. For instance, the temperature in Winnipeg during the winter can drop to minus 40 degrees centigrade. Those who live there complain about it, wishing it were otherwise and dreaming of living elsewhere. However, as long as they have to continue living there, they have a choice: coming to terms with the winter climate, or spending six months out of every year cursing it. Accepting life as it is means seeing nature as an essential part of life rather than an inconvenience.