“Whatever you meet unexpectedly, join with meditation.” No matter what, life includes meeting the unexpected. We can’t get around life’s little (and big) surprises. And even though this happens to us every day, we often act like it’s a surprising personal affront every time.

The 16th lojong slogan tells us, instead, to join these moments with meditation. In other words, stay aware. Traleg Kyabgon says that instead of responding habitually, we can “respond with understanding, openness, and courage by maintaining a sense of awareness.”

As I try to practice this, I find it helpful to say aloud the false thinking that makes me want to react. For example, I went to the post office, and I was so frustrated to see the long line. I hate that anytime, but during Covid especially. So I sat in the car waiting for it to shorten, only to see more people just walk up and get in line. I felt myself getting so angry. I had to stop and tell myself: Danielle, why do you think the post office is supposed to be at your beck and call?

Usually, the thought behind our frustration and anger is so ridiculous. Honestly, do I expect to have my own personal mail carrier and never have to stand in line?

This lojong slogan means to help us with these little everyday mishaps, rather than the big heavy things in our lives. This one hones in on the little nit-picky things we experience as we simply go about our day. But these small things can really alter our moods. Meeting the unexpected with awareness can truly change the contours of our whole lives.

This week, what if you just brought some attention to the false story behind your little daily frustrations? Take a good laugh at yourself and shake it off.