Expectations

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

If there is a thorn in foot, we cannot walk or run. If there is a toothache, we cannot enjoy eating food fully. People have accepted life to be made up of 'happiness and sorrow'. One needs to aspire for a life where there is happiness only, without sorrow. The inevitability of the visit of 'sorrow' has been accepted by many as fact of life. It is like walking with a thorn in foot.

Where is this thorn of sorrow coming from ?

From Expectation.

It is coming from our outlook / perception towards life and society. If somebody praises us , we feel happy. If somebody abuse us, we feel unhappy. In both cases we cant remain ourselves. Society has certain rules, code of conduct for the easy operation of itself. We take it too far and let it encroach upon our thought process.

We have expectations on everything as guided and conditioned by society. Television determines our choices. It wont allow us to be ourselves. Mahatma gandhi in a different context said, "I will open the windows towards outside world to let breeze come through, but I will not open it so much that outside winds sweeps away what I have".

There are two places where Expectation spoils the mood.

1) We cant scale upto the expectation of our society, thus leading to rejection by society and subsequently dejection on our part.

2) Outside world cannot match our expectations, be it anybody.

These two cause unhappiness.

What do we do, 'We compromise' and accept unhappiness as part of life. But we never let go of expectations.

We have no control over outside world. Things always take a different turn than what is expected. Bruce lee (karate champion) said, 'Expect the unexpected'.

We will be happy if we just stop having expectations and live moment to moment witnessing the unfolding drama.

What is wrong in having Expectations ?

It is better if your thoughts/expectations are your own. What happens is, 99% of the times our expectations are shaped by societal conditioning. We ape, we imitate what is shown as good. We never stop and think what is good for us. Society lives your life. You are another robot (human-bot) living programmed impulses.

How to get out of this rut ?

I dare quote buddha, Have,

-- Right understanding

-- right purpose

-- right speech,

-- right conduct

-- right livelihood

-- right effort

-- right mindfullness

-- right samadhi

Hari Om

In Guruseva