To live well, accept uncertainty

A disadvantage in the world

Clinging too tightly to how we think things ought to be, has probably always been a disadvantage in the world.

But in a world of such uncertainty as that in which we now live, it’s a very definite disadvantage.

And it has a very definite negative effect, I think, on our ability to live well. This has always been part of the philosophy behind mindfulness.

Accept uncertainty

In order to live well, we need to be able to accept uncertainty, and to give most of our awareness, to the present moment that we’re living through. This doesn’t mean we can’t plan – of course we can . But if we come become too attached to how things or indeed people ought to be, we increase our unhappiness, because we’re attempting to control the uncontrollable.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that we cannot control the world although we have a good deal of control over what we do in the world.

The path that’s opening out

So we all want certain things, and we’re motivated to go and get them. But mindfulness teaches us that  the important thing is to be able to let go, when that’s no longer doable, when it no longer makes sense to keep clinging on.  Instead to appreciate whatever is good in the path that’s opening out in front of us as we make our way in uncertainty. It’s about not clinging beyond reason, and cultivating an appreciation of this moment now as we move along the path.

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