Managing expectations can deeply impact our emotions and well-being. In this episode, Michael explores how unmet expectations—whether in relationships, work, or daily life—can lead to frustration, disappointment, or even physical stress. He explains how the brain's predictive nature forms expectations and how a mismatch between expectations and reality triggers emotional responses, including a dopamine crash and elevated cortisol levels. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, adjusting unrealistic expectations, and cultivating flexibility to navigate life's surprises more gracefully.
Drawing on personal experiences, Michael shares insights about navigating cultural differences, highlighting how expectations shaped by upbringing can clash with different ways of life, leading to resentment or disappointment. However, by managing expectations and anticipating uncertainties, they found a way to embrace outcomes with less emotional turmoil. Practical strategies include reframing disappointment as a learning opportunity, practicing gratitude, and focusing on what can be controlled.
This episode underscores the importance of balancing hope with realism, letting go of control, and fostering contentment to handle unmet expectations with resilience. It’s a powerful reminder that adjusting our mindset can help us find peace and connection, even when reality doesn’t align with our plans.
Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 - Reflecting on Expectations in Yoga
00:02:10 - Navigating Unmet Expectations
00:04:00 - Understanding the Impact of Expectations
00:11:32 - Emotional Impact of Unmet Expectations
00:14:11 - Navigating Emotions: From Braces to Unmet Expectations
00:19:04 - Navigating Expectations, Shame, and Regret
00:21:24 - Guilt, Expectations, and Surprise
00:23:39 - Contentment, Expectations, and Gratitude
00:26:43 - Reframing Unmet Expectations as Learning Opportunities
00:29:42 - Navigating Expectations with Resilience
Michael’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/
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About Going Pro Yoga:
At Going Pro Yoga, we help yoga teachers become even better by teaching them new skills and giving them the tools they need to make their yoga classes safe, fun, and special for everyone.
**Right now you can try Going Pro Yoga FREE for 7-days and sample:
- All Tools Needed to Master Cueing, Sequencing, and Alignment
- Video Library of over 75 fully Sequenced Classes, Sequence Chunks, and Flows
- FIRST EVER Yoga Cueing System with Over 160 poses and Hundreds of Variations
- Wisdom Talks from over 20,000 Hours of Teaching Experience
- Anatomy and Injury Prevention as it relates to Yoga.
To Learn More, Visit Going Pro Yoga, and Start your 7-Day Free Trial!
For more information about in-person trainings in Bali, https://www.elementsofpoweryoga.com/advancedtrainings
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