During the holiday season, millions of people convince themselves they await that special gift, look forward to preparing or hosting the memorable family meal, anticipate that annual visit from a loved one, and expect that tingly, effervescent feeling that bubbles up throughout the body. What if it turned out that you do not really await anything?
Well, for starters, if you decided you have no deadline, then you would probably learn to relax more. Your energy focus would change. The shopping frenzy often has people scurrying around all stressed out because of issues like cost, availability of the right item and delivery time. It may turn out you really do not need what you thought you wanted.
Another thing: if you harbour no expectations, then you eliminate the prospect of disappointment. Who really wants to experience that? Consider the mindset of a monk who believes he has no reason for getting anywhere at a set time. He nurtures flexibility and learns to readily adapt to change. To develop transferable skills always does you well.
When it comes to travel, certain times of year are more hectic and more prone to storms. Why do so many people thrive on this chaos? You can appreciate people any period of the year. Remind yourself how it feels to receive a letter, visit or phonecall out of the blue. If you know emptiness or loneliness, then you view loved ones differently.
Ask yourself what triggers a sense of trouble in the world. It tends to be counter-productive, human emotions. The remedy for ignorance is insight. Learning about the underlying nature of things and yourself is the key to disciplining the mind. Every moment, you are becomng more discerning about your real needs, desires and illusions.