Expectation Vs. Experience

Over and over, I am asked to choose my expectations versus the experience.

I expect that my encaustic wax will run along the line I chose.  I expect that my kids will get along with one another for at least 60 seconds.  I expect that I'll be able to run the same pace that I did yesterday.

The experience is often vastly different.

Expectation: Cute picture.  Experience: She is pinching his back and he is stepping on her foot.

When I choose to cling to my expectation, I can feel the tension within my stomach.  I get angry, frustrated, and eventually just TIRED.

When I choose the EXPERIENCE, well - that's a different story.  The kids might still fight and the wax might still drip on the carpet.  I might have to walk instead of run.

But in the experience, there is an inner peacefulness that permeates the moments.  An awareness that these things just are what they are....

and that I am fortunate to be able to be here experiencing them.

Namaste.

Comments

[Sherry]

I laughed at this as only a mother can...or someone who has been a sibling and either had that foot stepped on, or pinched that back!! What you see, isn't always what you get!! Too true.. :)

This fits in with what I've been thinking about and working through over the last few weeks...balance, what it is vs. what I want; what it can be vs. what it might never be.

And yes, being in the experience helps to bring everything back into focus.

Cute children by the way!!! xo

[Kim Mailhot]

This is very timely for me this week too, Lovely One. The experience, the present moment, keeps saving me over and over again.
I am just so happy to be here in it ! ;-)
Love and light to you !

[Aarathi]

simple and profound! This is just want I need oxox

[Theresa]

Such a beautiful post and yet it provided me with a little laugh, too. Thank you, Lisa.

[Ana]

I am not a mom but I laughed: a lot

[Tracy]

Wonderfully expressed, Lisa! This topic was timely for me as I was caught in the midst of something and realized I was stuck to my idea of it, the expectation and let it get the better of me... Finding that harmony between the two can often be overlooked in the rush of our everyday doings. Great reminder to just top and take it all in for what it is! Happy Days :o)