Even Though

According to In English with Love, even though is used when we are talking about a real situation. We use it to express a fact or when we think something is true. 

I find that I tend to use even though as expression of unfairness. For example, I may say: Even though I pray and meditate each morning, I’m still antsy and anxious by mid-day or Even though I walk 10,000 steps each day, I still can’t climb that hill without stopping or Even though I’m a vegetarian, I still haven’t lost weight.  

I notice that I have internalized a belief, a sense of truth, that says one thing should lead to another. There is also an aspect of shame when the action does not produce the expected reward. In fact, we have societal virtues such as hard work, clean living, moderation, and patience that we are told we should practice in order to receive the future reward. It is part of our social contract. 

As I dig deep and wonder about the things that follow even though, I think perhaps I can do a thing for its own sake.  Can I pray and mediate because I want to show my gratitude and listen to the stillness? Can I walk my 10,000 steps just to feel the movement of my limbs and be connected to the natural world around me? And can I be a vegetarian because I love the range of delightful foods that have opened to me? 

Letting go of the expected outcome frees me to appreciate each action and lets the future take care of itself.