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Dropping All Expectations

AllbuddhaBoundAllbuddhaBound Veteran
edited January 2012 in Buddhism Basics
Wow, I find this a powerful way to begin living in the moment. I would like to hear how dropping expectations have impacted some of you who have practiced this. I find that this helps a lot with anxiety and sleep problems. It is a very subtle change but my sleep has improved considerably since I learned how to do this. Is this just me or have others experienced the same thing? Of course, if no one has, that is ok too because I need to consistently let go of expectations.

Comments

  • SagatSagat
    It's liberating at first. But the depression is on it's way. You think anxiety is a sleep killer, just wait...
  • AllbuddhaBoundAllbuddhaBound Veteran
    Really? The idea came in my readings on Zen Buddhism and the Tao. Both suggest dropping expectations. Did you experience depression after trying this?
  • personperson Don't believe everything you think The liminal space Veteran
    Frankly, if depression results from dropping expectations it probably means you simply developed aversion instead of attachment to them as opposed to dropping them entirely.
  • JeffreyJeffrey Veteran
    Or it means you are hard on yourself
  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    edited January 2012
    Really? The idea came in my readings on Zen Buddhism and the Tao. Both suggest dropping expectations. Did you experience depression after trying this?
    ABB, Sagat is a special case. Carry on.

    Hey, Sagat! What happened to Stewie? : (
    What's new? Inhaled any new foreign languages lately?

  • HubrisHubris
    I guess it depends on how lofty your expectations are. If they are idealistic or lofty, they have a greater likelihood of being dashed.

    Personally, I keep my expectations based in reality, and also try to actually expect little, especially in regard to others. This way a positive outcome is more a bonus or a pleasant surprise than an " I knew it".

    Of course that comes from the cynic in me, and having been oft disappointed. I have become a planner, with both a Plan A (best case scenario) and a Plan B (worst case scenario). It minimizes risk as well as damage or fallout.


  • HubrisHubris
    ps: I do not get depressed with the method I mentioned above. I got the depression from having unfulfilled expectations, which were likely lofty or not based in reality to begin with.
  • Lady_AlisonLady_Alison Veteran
    ps: I do not get depressed with the method I mentioned above. I got the depression from having unfulfilled expectations, which were likely lofty or not based in reality to begin with.
    I'm going to keep this in mind. :-)
  • RavenRaven
    Hubris, you're so wise. I learn a lot from you.
  • Lady_AlisonLady_Alison Veteran
    Hubris, you're so wise. I learn a lot from you.
    Totally
  • SagatSagat
    I wish I could think like Hubris. (I like the irony by the way - A guy called Hubris who doesn't expect or take pride in much).


    ABB, Sagat is a special case. Carry on.

    Hey, Sagat! What happened to Stewie? : (

    What's new? Inhaled any new foreign languages lately?

    First of all, sorry I haven't replied to your PM. I'm really crap with words and I'm trying to respond to your great message in a way that's better than I'd put it if it didn't take weeks to write.

    I like my Tommy Lee Jones: Implied face palm picture. The Stewie smoking with a subdued look was last years attitude.

    I'm currently trying to learn some Hebrew. I met an Israeli girl the other day. Thought I'd try and learn some of her native language and convert to Judaism, Yeah... I'm that desperate.


  • SagatSagat
    Oh, didn't mean to post off topic btw. Sorry.
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