Let us examine practical applications in achieving the goal of 'letting go.' One of the largest causes of passionate emotion is unfulfilled expectations. In order to accomplish this we must first identify what emotions we are feeling and how we feed them. We feed frustration and anger by often setting unrealistic expectations. The natural consequence when expectations remain unfulfilled is the continued development of anger, frustration, etc.
To begin our solution to unfulfilled expectation is to accept the reality and change that has come about in our life. The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebahr illustrates well this concept: "…accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can …living one day at a time...one moment at a time; accepting the hardships as the pathway to peace."
If we continue with the same expectation, we will receive the same outcome. If we want a change in outcome, we must change our expectation, belief, and choices. Further, if we think positively, speak kindly and begin each day as brand new with new challenges and opportunities, we will find our journey with grief to be one we may be able to cope with courage and hope.
Patience defined is to bear calamities and trials with fortitude; to accept in mind fully anything that occurs, what is beyond control. What will help in achieving this is breathing deep and slow when agitated or feeling anxiety. Monitor your belief about the event as you also monitor how you choose to respond. Make your response a conscious choice not impulse. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
