The future is not "written in stone", but is instead "etched on a napkin" based on events of present. When we ask a question, issue a wish, or make a demand of Universe, it listens closely. It then establishes path and creates a future for us to receive necessary answer.

Of course, we only ask questions based on our past experiences. In many cases we ask general, non-specific questions, while in others we are specific of objectives not in line with our desires and vision. We tend to focus on past to query for a future, which produces yet another path to answer questions for long past events. As we ask, we experience, and we learn. If we don't learn, then we ask same questions and live same experiences.

One of common questions I hear is, "Why is life so hard?" That question, along with accompanying thoughts and energies, creates a future to show hard life, and its reasons, to provide answer. We experience what we ask and demand. A better question would be, "How do I create a successful life?" This question, with its energies and thoughts, will create a future to show path to success.

The time-honored approach to disappointment generally involves a fair amount of wallowing followed by a concerted effort to move on. Okay, this can work. But a more mindful approach includes an interim phase between these two. It's a unique opportunity to "float".

When things don't go our way--whether we're talking about election results, a job interview, a proposal at work, or a relationship--we naturally feel disappointed. We had hoped for best, even expected best (hey, we know about human motivation techniques, after all) and this apparent failure hits us pretty hard.

So, first step is to feel emotion. Go ahead. Mad? Frustrated? Depressed? It's okay to allow yourself to feel it. You can commiserate with others or wallow alone--it's your choice.

Now, here comes mindfulness part:

Take one giant step back. Step away from swirl of thoughts and emotions and simply look at it in a sort of interested bystander way. It's as though you have a clipboard and you're taking note of your response.

1) Scan your body. How does disappointment feel physically? Is it affecting your digestion, your sleep, your movement?

Scan your body for pain and tightness. Notice how your forehead feels, your cheeks, your jaw, your neck, your shoulders. Take a look at your face in a mirror. What does disappointment look like?

Continue to pass over your body mentally, noticing any pain, discomfort, tingling or tightness. Be sure to check your own personal trouble spots, whether that's your lower back, your knees, or your belly.