It’s hard to believe but I have an issue with expectations. Over the years I have realized expectations are a form of control. I try to control the outcome by expecting then try to control events so my expectations are met. I try my best to not to have expectations or at least to keep my expectations low. Recently I didn’t expect to have an issue with my apartment but after it was all said and done my apartment is much better. I was able to do a major cleaning and purging of things I never use. Now my apartment feels lighter and spacious. Sometimes the outcome is better than what we expected.

Control

“Please, do not make me use my powers. I do not know if they can be controlled.” - Raven*

Rachel Roth is the daughter of Arella (human mother) and Trigon (inter-densional demon). When her mother realized she was pregnant Arella found safety in a community of pacifist spiritual beings in an alternate dimension called Azarath. They trained Rachel to control her feelings and emotions fearing she will become a demon like her father. On many occasions Trigon has sought to use Rachel as his vehicle and form to take control of our dimension. On one occasion Rachel feared this happening and approached the Justice League for help but they refused to help. Rachel sought the help of the disbanded Teen Titans. In reuniting them Rachel took the name Raven. When her emotions become too high and she loses control of her powers Trigon will find an opening to our dimension once again.

Control – the Taoists suggests only in meditation can the breathing be controlled. Other philosophies suggests letting go of control. Those fixed ideas and perceptions that block the mind and heart only prevent further growth. There is no way to control the world – no matter what we do lightning will strike. We try to control people and then the rules are broken. We try to control events and our expectations are never met. It is better to let go of control to go through life with no expectations. Yes that is easier said than done but with practice it can be accomplished. Paraphrasing from the Tao Te Ching, chapter #29, “Do you think you can control the world? It cannot be done. The World is perfect and cannot be improved. If you try to change it; you will ruin it. If you try to grasp it; it will slip away.”

Raven
First Appearance: DC Comics Presents #26, October 1980

Creators: Marv Wolfman (writer) and George Perez (art)

* “Who Killed Trident?” The New Teen Titans volume 4 #33 July 1983