by John Kiddie • When we’re dependent upon external factors such as relationships, jobs, finances, etc. for our sense of well-being, we naturally have a strong investment in things turning out a particular way. By doing this we most likely create suffering for ourselves.
“Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out.” – Art Linkletter
For the person who has found an inner source of happiness through the spiritual practice of meditation, observing non-attachment becomes much easier. In fact, unfavorable circumstances can be seen as gifts in disguise, to deepen our inner experience.
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein
In a universe where nothing is a miracle, mistakes are possible. In this world, I am a victim of circumstances, and others are the cause of my unhappiness. This is the world of should-haves, could-haves, and why-me. Someone who views life in this way will invariably have a strong attachment to outcomes.
On the other hand, if you subscribe to the view that everything is unfolding perfectly according to a flawless divine plan, surrender and non-attachment are not so difficult to achieve. Instead of asking, “Why me?” when trouble hits, every event can be viewed as our own perfect creation, to learn and grow.
You’re ready to ask: What is the gift in this situation for me? Or, you realize since that didn’t work out, there must be an even better situation just around the corner. When we put all of our eggs in one basket as far as happiness goes, whether it be a special relationship, getting a job promotion, or our income, we are setting ourselves up for suffering.
“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.” – Richard Bach