Whether I feel something is “good” or “bad” is based entirely upon my ability to predict the future (which isn’t good at all).
The thing I label in my mind as a “victory” might actually be the beginning of my demise, and the thing that I think is a disaster might be the start of a blessing I cannot even fathom.
I dunno. I can’t predict the future.
The vast majority of my future predictions never actually occur, but I often fail to notice that pesky detail because in my forward way of thinking, I’m already trying to control the imaginary problems behind that problem and the problems behind those.
That’s what anxiety is. That’s me trying to control a future that exists nowhere other than inside my own imagination (because I’m not God. I can neither predict nor control the future).
Having such a mindset prevents me from experiencing and enjoying anything in this present moment (the only place where true joy exists).
Jesus once asked “Who among you by worrying can extend their lives a single hour?”
He doesn’t actually give the answer. I assume the question was rhetorical and the correct answer is “no one.” I mean, I’m no Rhodes scholar or anything so don’t copy off my test, but I bet the answer is “no one”…
The solution to this is to let go of my attachment to outcomes. That is where I found peace.
What I do is surrender my life and my will over to my Higher Power each morning. I let go of my need to predict and control the future, I surrender that over to my Higher Power (I have to because is is something I cannot control). When I do that, that leaves me free to just focus on being the best person I can be right here and right now, in this very present moment (coincidentally, the only place peace resides, also).
My God is real, and loves me as any loving parent would love any one of their children. So no matter what, even if I like or dislike anything that I’m currently experiencing, I can assume my omnipotent God is fully aware of it, and everything is going according to His plan.
All I have to do is surrender my will.
I notice that when I relinquish my attachment to outcomes in my work, my work is way better (because I’m mentally and spiritually at peace while doing it, and focused on the task currently at hand rather than worrying about how this affects “my future,” which is pointless).
One of the core lessons in the Bhagavad Gita is knowing that I have a right to do work. I do not have a right to the outcomes of my work.
By constantly attempting to predict and control events in the future (that I cannot control and most likely will never occur the way I desire) I build expectations.
I might place these expectations on others, and when those expectations are not met, I create resentment.
This also leads to a life filled with stress and frustration.
We humans create our own sufferings, and we do so internally.
The solution I found is to surrender to this current moment. That takes practice (catching myself dwelling on future events and placing unreasonable expectations on others), and stopping myself.
The only thing that helps me do that is a daily practice of mindfulness meditation. Specifically, I do Warrior Meditation®️.
A daily practice of meditation allows me to stay focused on this present moment where “good” things come into my life, and also “bad” things come into my life.
I notice them all, the good and the bad, and never cling to either.
I’ve learned that anything I “cling” to, good or bad, eventually brings suffering into my life. Soon I find myself attached to whatever I am clinging to, “I must have this, or have things this way, in order to be happy. I create that difficulty for myself with my tendency to “cling” to things forming “attachment.” Attachment brings suffering.
I’ve used the analogy of a raft in a river before.
I’m floating in a raft down a river. Left alone, all I have to do is guide the raft with a rudder and enjoy a peaceful life experience.
However, also in the river there are many obstacles and things that float by.
Some of the things are good, some of the things are bad. When I cling to any of the things floating by, I’m no longer steering as effectively. If I try to bring the things into the raft, suddenly the raft is unbalanced and I risk capsizing.
So what I do is simply notice the things that pass by the raft. Some of the things are good things. The good things I enjoy while I can. I try to steer and avoid “bad” things, but it is inevitable that they will also pass by and occasionally hit the raft.
It is the same for everyone. The rain falls on all without discernment. Good things happen to “bad” people, and bad things happen to “good” people.
Life is not fair. It’s not supposed to be. It’s not written into the fabric of the universe that life is supposed to be fair. Good and bad things happen to us all.
As long as I don’t cling to anything, good or bad, I can gently steer this raft peacefully down the river.
When something passes by the raft, good or bad, I remind myself “This too shall pass,” and just keep guiding my raft down the river.
Anyway, that’s all I wanted to write.
Thank you for reading.
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