It is what it is!

This week I have been thinking about expectation and experience.

Our minds are the ultimate truth-seeking machines – science acknowledges its propensity for seeking that which confirms its view of reality. Countless documented bias’s stand proof to this.

Further, our experiences are often a direct reflection of how we are. Quite simply, if we are a little grumpy the world can seem a little darker, even the otherwise pleasurable bits.

And if we think we are having a bad day, how often might we then seek and note the negative encounters which enforce this.

If you believe it - trust me, you will find it.

And so we set expectations - both positive and negative. When we are learning our practice this can be a significant influencer on progress.

As we develop can too often we set expectations for ourselves – whether that is what we think should happen when we meditate properly, or awaiting a repeat of some previous pleasing experience, or simply awaiting for that impending moment of our own "failure".

And as such we sow the seeds of our own discontent. We set an arbitrary bar against which we then assess each moment. For every great success, how many more “moments” might fall short. Too easily we can then become despondent and quick to judge ourselves or the process.

And then how quickly do we just give up consigning the practice to the "its just not for me" bucket.

We are not the experience.

In our meditations we need to sit with equanimity. Quite simply, observe what is there moment by moment – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – but without judgement, without engagement.

Let arise what will arise. Let pass what will pass.

We are the experiencer.

Releasing ourselves from expectation enables us to distance. Simply ask yourself “what is happening” Breathe and observe what is both within and without with openness and equanimity.

Let things be as they are.

Let the moment be. And then the next.

It is what it is.