As soon as we know something, we prevent something else from happening. When we live in a state of knowing, rather than unknowing, we're living in a fixed state of being where we can't experience the endless unfolding of life, one thing after another. Things happen anyway — nothing ever remains the same — but our notions of what should happen block us from seeing what actually does happen. We get upset because our expectations aren't met. When we can let go of them we are in accord with things as they arise.

We like to use the phrase "let it be." The truth is, we have no choice. No matter what we think, we are never in control and things will happen as they happen. But in a state of unknowing we actually live without attachment to preconceived ideas. There is no expectation of gain, no expectation of loss. There's just what's here right now.

Bernie Glassman, Bearing Witness