Have you noticed any trends that occur for you when things don’t go your way? Before the inner frustration, agitation, conflict, and struggle sets in, is there anything that you could call the culprit of your suffering?
For me, the word that comes to mind is certainty. Anytime I subtly expect something to turn out a certain way, which conveniently is always my way, and that doesn’t happen, suffering’s uncontrollable weeds start to grow. When the only option I give the moment doesn’t come to fruition, the infinite potential of any other (and maybe even a more beautiful) horizon vanishes.
Could our certainty and expectations habitually lead us into misery?
I think so.
Now what about your delight? Are there things you consistently see or notice when delight wells up within you?
Again, I can only speak for myself. But delight most often occurs for me in a nonlinear way. Part of its beauty is that I can’t forecasts its potential or even put my thumb on its whereabouts. It’s quite random, serendipitous, and wonderfully unpredictable. It seems to shine the brightest when by moment or metaphor the unconnected somehow connects. And there’s always an element of surprise in the truest forms of delight I’ve found. In short, it’s available when I’m available.
Could a posture of openness and possibility prepare the soft hands needed to hold such holy and human delight?
I think so.
So what’s it going to be?
Misery or mystery?
Ashton.Gustafson 