Release Expectation – Embrace Expectancy!

What do you hear in the word “expectation”? When you expect something from another or from life, what do you notice in your being? What happens when those expectations are dashed?

Now, switch gears for a minute. Replace “expectation” with “expectancy, abundant expectancy“. What is the energy now?

Here’s where I go with these two:

Expectations that I have for myself or another person or for the situation feel limiting. I notice tension as I wait to see if what I want, what I expect, will happen. There is smallness here as laser focus sees only “this” and “these options”. I am trapped in my version of how life should unfold. I have put a box around you and how I want you to be. Often, sadly, I expect the worst.
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Mind Pollution

From the book, The Yamas & Niyamas, by Deborah Adele, we read:

“Yogiraj Achala tells the story about taking his young son to the Mississippi River. The son, looking into the river, asked his dad if the river was polluted. Yogiraj responded that no, the river is only carrying the pollution, the river itself is pure. Our minds are like the river carrying things in it. If we identify with what the mind is carrying – thoughts, stories, beliefs – then we will think we are those things.”

Tomorrow is July 4th, the day Americans celebrate freedom. Take a moment. Breathe in deeply. Let it go. Continue to breathe long, slow, full breaths. As you do, take the spectator seat near your mind. Notice:
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What is your best?

Let’s travel back in time to take special note of every success, every powerful step, every time you “moved beyond” and claimed more of your deepest, truest, amazing self. If it helps, close  your eyes and breathe. Walk through the years or events, relationships or jobs, or simply the every day moments on your life journey.

With the picture of you radiating in these “positive” situations, look more deeply at the human being who showed up as you. Get curious:

What qualities (courage, perseverance, compassion, …) did I exude?
What was my impact?
What is possible when I am at my best?

How Fascinating!

What happens when you get off-track, lose focus, or perhaps even forget to follow through on commitments? Maybe we’re talking about those commitments you make to yourself to practice new habits. Maybe it is a commitment you made to a dear friend or family member. Perhaps it’s a commitment you made in the course of a coaching session and you’ve arrived at your next session “empty handed”. It might even be a commitment you’ve made at work to your supervisor or a coworker.

What happens in you at these times? Are you prone to berating yourself, labeling yourself a failure, or even quitting? How is this working for you? Consider a few other options prompted by this short “new message to self”: Continue reading “How Fascinating!”