“Man is a deterministic device thrown into a probabilistic universe. In this match, surprises are expected.”
– Michael Lewis
The only thing we can truly predict in this world is that the world will be unpredictable. This can scare some people, as we naturally don’t like surprises, but acceptance is the cure.
Another way to describe this is with impermanence. The idea that everything changes, balancing, moving, and the only thing determined is our awareness of that change.
When we step back and simply observe the world around us, we see impermanence in everything, from the clouds moving through the sky to the rain falling, not chasing, not transfixed.
Reflection
My understanding of surprises is that it is truly unknown, unseen, and unrecognizable, thus taking us off guard.
Like a rainstorm that comes in the middle of the day, without any notice or warning (happens quite often in the mountains really).
Surprises can be downright frustrating too as we get older we want little to no surprises, and then get flustered and confused when they arise.
Surprises can be scary, say when we lose a loved one or find ourselves a near-death experience, and have to re-write our narrative in the aftermath.
Surprises can be wonderful and joyous when we see someone we haven’t in years get a new job or are gifted something we’ve always wanted (likely during the holidays right now).
But what surprises me about surprises is how surprised we are so often in our world today.
I can’t think of any other time in human history when humans have been so distracted, so transfixed, and so dull, it’s surprising.
Awareness of ourselves and the world around us doesn’t diminish the surprises, it gravitates them, to a state of real connection, like when the surprise of a gift is received and is cherished or when the surprise of a death is felt so deeply and remembered.
Encouragement
In mindfulness, surprises will still come and go, but there is a pattern of rolling with the punches (and kisses) if you will.
I encourage us to seek understanding and empathy in our surprises, even when they frustrate, scare, enlighten, or brighten us.
Try today to pause, even if it’s for 5 minutes, and follow the breath naturally changing in your body.
Thanks
I have been planning a drastic change in my life that in time would leave this blog and newsletter at a standstill for a while. I have been planning to thru-hike some of the longest trails in the US, embarking on a journey that anyone can follow on YouTube and Instagram.
Thank you so much for reading my rambling, thinking mind. You can find all of my posts on the blog and even search for keywords and as always can support me over at buymeacoffee.com/mindfulnessand if you feel so inclined. Thank you in advance!
Links
Leave a Reply