When we live with expectation, we overlook the “now”. We are so busy looking for what “will be” that we don’t see what “is”. And that’s not a particularly good way to live.
A lot of expectation is about hope
We build our dreams around the way we would like life to be. The way we hope things will work out. And we focus on what we want, what we hope for. Some people think of that as “visioning”; but without action, it is simply “hope”.
Some of expectation is assumption
If I do this, then that will happen. If I learn this, then I’ll automatically be able to…. If I go to college, I’ll get a great job. If I spend enough time on my job, I’ll get a promotion. Those are all assumptions. Without action, none of this has any chance of happening.
Some of exception is prediction
Prediction is about making stuff up based on what you know and can see right now. It leaves no room for unexpected discovery, new opportunities or a simple change of heart. Prediction is not possible.
We must learn to live in the moment
There will never be a moment when it will not be now. This moment is all we have to work with. This moment is the only time we have to make a choice. We choose, something shifts, we choose again.
Trust life to unfold
The key to living in the moment is to trust. Trust life to unfold with the perfect opportunities and lessons you need right now in your life. And trust that you’ll make an aligned choice, one that honors your values, your beliefs and your current needs and wants.
You need do nothing in the moment but choose
Not choosing is a choice. Choose a small amount or a lot. Tweak what shows up or turn your back and let it pass by. The present moment will never return. Simply choose – or don’t.
Allow your future to simply become
If I’m not going to expect anything, if I‘m not going to hope, assume, predict or even anticipate my “next”, then what am I supposed to do?
Be patient. Allow your future to unfold, to come into being, to simply become. It will be perfect.
Whether it’s a lesson you need to master or an opportunity that pushes you forward, it will unfold in the perfect time. Accept it. Take it within yourself and choose – in the moment, in the now.
That’s all you need to do. Be present in the now.
To Sing a Deeper Song consider:
The Power in a Ceremony of Releasing
Live Like Water
The Length of Your Reach
Mindfulness as a Path to Self-Awareness
45-How to Become a Mindful Presence
43 – Intolerance and the Need to Be Right
