So much of our distress and suffering comes from the unrealistic expectations and negative reactions produced by our own mind. Our desire creates possessiveness and grasping as we fasten on to certain objects, people, or experiences for gratification. When objects satisfy us we become attached to them. The stronger our attachment, the tighter our grip and the more anxious we feel about defending our territory and possessions. Whatever we care about is idealised and must be kept safe. If our craving for something is frustrated or disappointed, we respond with aversion. When an object does not satisfy us, we angrily reject it. Deciding that it was the wrong thing all along, we set off again in pursuit of a different objective: something else, something better, something new.

-- Ringu Tulku Rinpoche