We Didn't Sign Up For This
In this episode, I explore the common sentiment "I didn't sign up for this" and how it relates to our expectations and suffering. I discuss the Buddhist concept of emptiness, suggesting that because we didn't will ourselves into existence, we are open to all possibilities, which can be incredibly liberating. A key takeaway is that while expectations are natural, our attachment to them can be a significant source of suffering, much like the second arrow in the parable of two darts, which represents self-inflicted pain from resisting reality. I also introduce the idea of shifting from an "I have to" mindset to an "I get to" perspective, reframing challenges as opportunities for experience and growth, and touch upon Naikan practice as a tool for cultivating gratitude by reflecting on our interdependencies. This episode offers practical ways to navigate life's inevitable difficulties by embracing uncertainty and befriending our experiences rather than resisting them.
