Expecting too much

We expect too much.

If the leading cause of death is coronary heart disease, then the leading cause of sadness is surely too many expectations… (I know, I know a morbid start).

Michael Singer says we need to ‘trade expectations for appreciation’ and I like this. A lot. 

Expectations are somewhat tricky. They are a fixation into the future that may or may not happen. I’m not saying we shouldn’t place a directional intention into our future. Not at all. Dream the dream and dream big. But, if we HANG ON to expectations we can end up very disappointed. It’s the fixing rigidity that renders us deflated when it all goes to hell in a handbasket. 

The witty dowager from Downton Abbey said to her granddaughter ‘Dear, don’t confuse a wish for a certainty.’ 

The alternative? Being present. Alert to the surrounds. Being in the strength of your intention and free to move flowingly through it. 

As Matt Church says, hold on tight with an open palm.

(ps: I just knew Netflix was educational)