One of the basic causes of unhappiness is our refusal to accept the moment-to-moment reality of what is — what's happening right now. At the root of our frustration is this: The way things are is different from what we want or expect, and we don't accept that fact. It's sort of like getting mad every evening because the sun goes down. Not many of us would intentionally bang our heads against a brick wall. Yet, when we refuse to accept what is, we do just that — bang our heads against the brick wall of reality.

Accepting what is does not mean that things must stay the same. In fact, as you learn to accept the here and now, you keep within yourself all the energy that you otherwise may have wasted in disappointment and frustration. Thus you have more control, serenity, and power. This means you're in a much better position to change what you can, to be an active force for good, to help transform your life and your world.

What follows may be quite a stretch for you; in fact, it might make little sense, and you may choose not to buy into it. But do try the idea on for size; you might find that it fits better than you think.

You might attribute this to the wondrous order of the universe or to the divine plan of a loving God. Be that as it may, what if you decide to live your life from this point forward with the complete conviction that everything that happens to you — without exception — is absolutely perfect just as it is? Here are some benefits you might experience from seeing the world this way:

You would no longer waste precious time and energy fighting the reality of what is. You would have far more energy available to make positive changes both within yourself and in the world at large.

Undeterred by needless frustration, anger, and fear, you would see people and circumstances with more clarity and understanding. Accepting what is, you would live more fully and richly in the present moment. Freed from the weight of needless stress, your body and immune system would function with greater efficiency and strength. Your energies would be less scattered, leaving you more peaceful and alert.

You could engage people and events with deeper compassion, sensitivity, good humor, and creativity. You would find it much easier to concentrate pleasantly and wholeheartedly on the task at hand. If you are spiritually inclined, you could more easily attune to the Divine Presence.

Knowing that everything is perfect just as it is, you would be far less apt to dwell on worries about the past or fears about the future. You also would be less prone to fear, anger, or depression over events in your life right now. You could better see that, as terrible as they are, conditions such as hatred, war, poverty, and young children dying of starvation or cancer may indeed be invitations for us to learn and share and take responsibility for creating a kinder, more loving world.

With your increased energy and understanding, you would become a much wiser and stronger force for good in this world. Your composure, wisdom, and vitality would be a beautiful, living example for your loved ones and for all who cross your path.

You would more easily embrace the wonder and opportunity of each present moment. No matter what happens — whether pleasant or painful — you could greet each event with greater composure and understanding, saying from the depths of your heart, "Thank you. I will make the best of this opportunity."

As mentioned earlier, you may not totally accept the belief that "It's all perfect," but perhaps some aspects of this way of thinking will help you to live with greater peace, creativity, and joy in the present moment.

As author Eckhart Tolle put it, "Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it. Make it your friend and ally, not your enemy. This will miraculously transform your whole life."

Note: Other articles written by Sam and his colleagues are available online at the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service's "Universe of Possibilities" website.