Expectations and Assumptions

Expectation is the mother of all heartache. Assumption is the Father of all war! Two words that pack a lot of power- born in the seat of the ego.
Ego is that part of us that feels separate from all others, including God, and does not perceive the true oneness of all things. Ego is what makes us unique in this physical world. Ego is self, and all the labels, judgments, and beliefs about self that comes with it. Ego is the part we are playing in this world; but it is not our true identity.

In John 17, Christ prays,

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. "

Sit with yourself for a while. Write down the last time you felt deep heartache and what the cause was. Evaluate the expectations that were there and how they were disappointed. Then write down someone who you feel very angry with or have a difficult time liking. Evaluate the assumptions you have made about this person. Now consider this person a part of you- "cut out of the same cloth," so-to-speak.

How might awareness of expectations and assumptions increase your joy and contentment?