How do you view expectations?

Maintaining A Balanced View of Our Expectations

Expectations are within us, deep inside, wanting to control the future. We anticipate some result, good or bad, based on what we have experienced in the past. Having control of all aspects of our lives is certainly an unrealistic expectation. There are so many variables that exist that are unforeseeable. 

In fact, most of our decisions are based on on past experiences. And it makes sense, it is how you have survived all of these years. And based on these experiences we conjure expectations, good, neutral, or bad. 

But think about times where your expectations we wrong. Perhaps it was a food you thought would have a particular taste. Maybe you expected to earn a certain score on a test. Or perhaps you thought a movie would end a certain way.

Did these expectations come out as expected? Were you pleased with the outcome? How do you feel about these outcomes now many days or years later?

Think about your birthday when you were a child. The excitement knowing that you were going to get gifts from friends and loved ones. The gift is handed to us in beautiful wrapping with a nice bow. We might shake the box a little to see if it makes a sound. Either way, we are expecting something good.

You excitedly rip off the delicate paper and then it happens, disappointment. What is in the box did not meet your expectations. You wanted to control the future. The disappointment settles on your face and the giver sees your unhappiness. 

As we grow older, we are better able to mask our disappointment because we know it is rude to not be appreciative of a gift. But the giver can usually tell by tone of voice. They too had expectations that you would enjoy their gift that was very thoughtfully picked out.

When we learn to be mindful of the present moment, we learn there is no disappointment. We have learned that the true gift is to take the middle path and accept the here and now non-judgmentally. This very moment is precious. You are alive and breathing. This is the gift that you have at this very movement. This very moment is the one that get's to be unwrapped with each and every breath. 

Now consider when we make a mistake. Perhaps you set the alarm on your phone for the incorrect time and missed the bus. Maybe you left your wallet at home and went to the grocery store only to realize you forgot it as you search your pockets. 

We accept that each of us, every one of us, will recover from a mistake we’ve made, we will rise, we will fall, we will walk, we will run, we will laugh, we will cry, we are born and we will die. Everything we have experienced, and all that is yet to become, is temporary. 

So, no matter where you are today, right now, accept that what you see, what you experience is temporary and enjoy this moment, it is the gift we all seek, even if it is a time of hardship. It will never come again.

Please feel free to comment below. 

Wishing you peace and ease,

Vladimir

Blue Lotus Meditation And Mindfulness Center is a registered 501(c)(3) religious organization.