Life is full of surprises, both good and bad. Of course, misadventures happen to everyone at some point, but sometimes they can lead to unexpected positive experiences. Sometimes, misadventures can bring positive experiences we might not have had otherwise.

Misadventures can take many forms, such as getting lost on a hiking trail, missing a flight, or getting food poisoning while on vacation. These experiences can be frustrating and stressful in the moment, but they can also lead to positive outcomes. For example, getting lost on a hike might lead to discovering a beautiful waterfall or scenic overlook missing from the original itinerary. Missing a flight might lead to an unexpected day exploring a new city or meeting interesting people while waiting for the next flight. Even getting sick while traveling can lead to new experiences, such as trying new foods or meeting locals who offer helpful remedies. Once, I got lost for 8 hours overnight at the Wacken metal festival in Germany.

One of the biggest benefits of misadventures is that they can push us out of our comfort zones and teach us resilience. When things don’t go as planned, we are forced to adapt and find solutions to unexpected problems. This can help us build confidence and problem-solving skills that we can apply in other areas of our lives. Misadventures can also help us appreciate the small things in life, such as a warm bed after a night of sleeping on an uncomfortable airport bench or a simple meal that is easy on a sick stomach.

On the other hand, positive experiences can also happen by accident. Sometimes, the best moments in life are the ones that were not planned. For example, meeting someone special in an unexpected place, stumbling upon a hidden gem of a restaurant, or discovering a new hobby while trying something else. These experiences can be especially meaningful because they were not sought out and can provide a break from the monotony of daily life.

One of the keys to embracing the unexpected is to have an open mind and be willing to try new things. When we are too attached to our plans and expectations, we can miss out on opportunities that are right in front of us. Being flexible and adaptable can help us make the most of misadventures and unexpected positive experiences.

This topic reminds me of a story I first heard at our home monastery, Buddha Mind Monastery. The Taoist fable tells the story of an elderly farmer who had been tending to his crops for many years. One day, his horse ran away, and when his neighbors heard about it, they visited to offer their condolences. “What bad luck,” they said. The farmer simply responded, “Perhaps.”

The next day, the horse returned, bringing along three other wild horses. The neighbors returned to express their excitement. “How wonderful,” they exclaimed. The farmer calmly replied, “Perhaps.”

The day after that, his son attempted to ride one of the wild horses, but was thrown off and broke his leg. Once again, the neighbors came to offer their sympathy. “What terrible luck,” they said. The farmer’s response remained the same: “Perhaps.”

Soon after, military officials arrived in the village to conscript young men into the army. However, they passed over the farmer’s son when they saw that he had a broken leg. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good fortune, but the farmer once again responded, “Perhaps.”

This story teaches us to remain neutral to both good and bad events in our lives. While it can be easy to get caught up in the highs and lows of life, adopting a “maybe” attitude can help us see the bigger picture and appreciate that everything that happens is part of a larger journey.

Life is full of “good” and “bad” surprises, and misadventures can sometimes bring unexpected positive experiences. Being open-minded and adaptable can help us make the most of these experiences and develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Similarly, positive experiences that happen by accident can be especially meaningful, providing a break from the monotony of daily life. Ultimately, the key to embracing the unexpected is to adopt a neutral “maybe” attitude and appreciate that everything that happens is part of a larger journey.