When dealing with the unexpected, we can experience greater ease by bringing mindfulness to the situation. Each moment brings uncertainty, and sometimes, unexpected events arise. When dealing with the unexpected, if we judge the events as positive, we say we’re lucky. When we judge the unexpected events as unpleasant, we say we’ve encountered unfortunate circumstances.
Life is filled with moments of unexpected events. We can significantly reduce our suffering by not resisting them and refraining from wishing things to be other than they are. When we learn to meet each unfolding moment with a non-judgmental awareness of how things are rather than wanting them to be different, we experience a greater sense of peace. Try holding an attitude of acceptance –“given that this is happening, now what?” This sort of attitude reduces suffering and grows a sense of inner resilience to future unexpected events. Breathe in. Breathe out. Try going with the flow of life and notice what happens.
To be fully alive, fully human, and completely awake is to be continually thrown out of the nest. –Pema Chodron
Jen Johnson is a mindfulness teacher, coach, and therapist teaching meditation for healing, creativity, and resilience. If you want to deepen your mindfulness practice, sign up for Jen Johnson’s MBSR online course.