Expectation Is the Obstacle—Not the World
Here is my confession: I have an addiction
Not to alcohol, porn, video games, or social media—my addiction is to success and freedom.
Society may deem this healthy, even admirable. For me, it’s poison, preventing me from appreciating what I have, living in the present, and walking my spiritual path steadily.
There’s a subtler addiction most of us share: things must go my way, or I’m unhappy. This hidden expectation blocks inner peace and joy.
Some get frustrated when it rains during their park visit, as if the planet’s hydrological cycle should bend to their will. Others are upset when a co-worker doesn’t say hello, as if everyone must always be friendly despite their inner struggles. Some fume when their coffee isn’t perfect, as if the world must align with their every preference.
I get frustrated when anything seems to obstruct my goals: quitting my job, earning money through newsletters or coaching, traveling to meet spiritual teachers. I act as if my ambitions are the universe’s top priority, as if it owes me.
The right attitude? When you get what you want, be truly grateful—feel it in your heart. When you don’t, know it’s absolutely meant to be. The universe, vast and ancient, operates by its own rules, indifferent to your birth or death. You treasure your preferences, but so do 8.2 billion others.
When someone speaks rudely, consider their childhood, their day, their ancestors, the culture, the history of the universe—all shaping that moment. Even the dust on your desk required trees, earth, water, the universe itself.
This perspective lightens me. I see that, despite lacking the success and freedom I crave, I have a loving family, a stable job, enough money to travel, two cats, and good health.
“But you don’t have…” The mind whines again.
Sure, but this moment is absolutely as it should be.