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As human beings, we have a strong tendency to judge and form expectations for our experiences.
\\nWe all do it!
\\nWe EXPECT to get to work without traffic.
\\nWe EXPECT to not have a flat tire.
\\nWe EXPECT that our pen won\\u2019t run out of ink.
\\nAnd when we live with these expectations, we set ourselves up for the acts of clinging and aversion.
\\nWe cling to the idea that our pen SHOULD work.
\\nAnd we don\\u2019t accept that our tire is flat when we\\u2019re leaving for work in the morning.
\\nAnd in this clinging and aversion, uncomfortable and disturbing emotions arise.
\\nAnd we suffer.
\\nBut we still have to get up and grab a new pen and we still have to fix our flat tire.
\\nWell, the practice of mindfulness - living in each present moment without the expectations arising from prejudgment - teaches us to ACCEPT the unwanted inconveniences in our lives and avoid - or at least reduce - whatever suffering they may cause.
\\nWe still have to get a new pen, but when we do, we do so feeling good.
\\nI know this might sound strange to you. It did to me at first, too.
\\nBut with a little bit of practice, these skills are very attainable!
\\nQuestions? Let me know.
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