No Expectations

What does that even mean? How does one live a life not expecting anything?! I’m prone to believe a certain level of expectation is healthy. It keeps us striving for more and keeps us trapped in ourselves and each other, so I can see where the No Expectations mantra can be conducive. So then why am I having such a difficult time grasping this? 

I naturally come with many expectations. For myself, for others; because how else are we supposed to strive to be better humans to ourselves and each other? I can also admit, that my expectations have been my greatest downfall. Or perhaps it’s my attachment to them. My friend recently gave me this gem of wisdom, “It’s about freeing your attachments to your expectations.” I can have all the expectations in the world but when I rely on them to be the end all be all, that is where life tends to show me how little value it holds for my “expectations.” 

So these days, I’m honoring my expectations without being overly attached to them. What has helped with this detachment is grace & essence. Grace has allowed me to see things as they are, in their ever-growing state. It has allowed me to not be so attached to the impermanence of what is now; whether it be in a person, experience, lesson, or circumstance, I am able to see it as it is now and knows that that will change. When you are able to see and connect with the essence of the thing, you find that you don’t always need the bag of expectations we vicariously tote from one place, person, and thing to the next. 

But now I have a question, what's the difference between an expectation and a standard? Well, per the dictionary, an expectation is a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future. Which is to say an expectation in thought is like the assumed adverb. Whereas standard, as defined by my googles is: a level of quality or attainment. Both are nouns, both are expressed and thought in the same vein, yet they are not the same thing. You don’t hear people saying, “No Standards.” How does one have standards and a detachment to expectations?! 

When you find an answer, come drop a comment. 

Much Love & Gratitude 

Peace