Two Sides of Anticipation

What does anticipation feel like to you? Does it carry a flavour of dread, excitement, or something else entirely?

Elisha’s piece in the Serenity issue of ​Coming To Our Senses​ beautifully demonstrates a familiar experience with anticipation. I recognise similar feelings from times I’ve wished away situations, events, or even entire days and weeks—not because they were unpleasant, but because I’d reduced everything to a homogenous mound of what Elisha describes as “appointments.”

Maybe this feels familiar for you, too?

Observing Our Relationship With Anticipation

The festive season might offer us an opportunity to observe this in ourselves. How do we approach events on our calendars? Can we zoom in and connect with the smaller details to find moments of gratitude? Or do they blur into vague obstacles between us and the free-flowing time we long for?

How do you experience anticipation?

What clues tell you whether you’re in a state of anticipatory dread or anticipatory openness?

Seeing The Smaller Picture

Sometimes, stepping back and seeing the bigger picture is helpful, especially when we feel stuck in uncomfortable circumstances. It reminds us that “this too shall pass.” However, living solely in the bigger picture can disconnect us from the present moment. We risk losing touch with why we do what we do and what truly matters to us.

Stuck In Anticipatory Dread

Anticipatory dread isn’t inherently wrong. There are many undesirable things we need to do as part of life. But noticing it can be powerful because we don’t need to stay stuck there when it sabotages our relationship with every commitment and event.

Observing these experiences can help us support our nervous systems and make us feel more grounded and connected to what matters most. This allows us to be present and at home in our lives rather than wishing them away.

Does this resonate with you? Have you ever wished away something you were deeply excited about or grateful for? Or perhaps you’ve experienced a shift that allows you to see the heart of things rather than viewing every commitment, invitation, or opportunity as an obstacle.

You can listen to Elisha’s words here

It’s woven with an ambient instrumental soundscape, creating what I hope to be a peaceful meditation on this theme.