Non-attachment is one of the most important skills you can master.
We easily get attached to things, people, situations, the past and the future.
However, these attachments are never healthy. Clinging onto anything is not a good habit to cultivate, although we all seem to go down that road at some point in our lives.
We often attach ourselves to the things that are making us happy at that moment, trying to hold onto them just so we can experience happiness longer. We worry about the odds of losing the happiness and we think that clinging to it would make it stay. And when things change – as they always do – we feel miserable and betrayed.
Knowingly or unknowingly, we attach ourselves to feelings of happiness and satisfaction, and identify ourselves with them. Because of this, we tend to dwell on the past or feel anxious about the future, failing to experience the joy of the present moment.
Once we stop clinging or trying to control the world around us, we allow the Universe to fulfill us in ways beyond our imagination. Letting go is necessary so we can allow the happiness to flood in.
Releasing attachments is not a one-time decision. It is a moment-to-moment choice and commitment, and it involves changing the way we interact with anyone and anything we used to get attached to in the past.
So how do you release your attachment? Here’s a few tips to set you free.
1) Releasing Attachment From People
Quit depending on people when it comes to acknowledging your worth. Know your worthiness without needing other people’s approval. Don’t let others dictate how you feel about yourself.
Going alone sometimes is a good way of releasing your attachment from others. This will help you examine yourself as well as your passions and values.
Hold onto people lightly and understand that you, and just you, have the ability to feel loved, worthy and secure.
This can also be applied to romantic relationships. Understand that it takes two whole persons to be together, and you are never someone’s “other half”.
2) Releasing Attachment From The Past
Whether you like it or not, you can never change what’s already happened – ever.
Holding onto what’s already gone is living your life based on fear. Instead of focusing on what has happened or what didn’t happen, focus on whatever is happening right now. At this very moment.
This is the only moment you have control over – the now. Make peace with your past and realize that whatever happened had to happen, so the you right now can emerge. When you look back, you’ll see that the sequence of events had unfolded perfectly, for your own personal growth.
3) Releasing Attachment From The Future
You cannot find happiness and contentment in the future, because the only real thing is the present moment – and this is all you’re experiencing right now.
There is no need to know what the future will hold. The only thing you need to realize is that your future is hinged on how you will use the present moment.
4) Releasing Attachment From Feelings And Emotions
This goes to both positive and negative emotions. Most of us are attached to feelings of happiness and feelings of regret. We tend to forget that all of these are just passing emotions. Identifying ourselves with our feelings and emotions make us prisoners of our own minds.
To release your mind, notice when you’re overwhelmed with emotion, and then take a pause. Observe your feelings and take a few deep breaths while telling yourself: “This is just an emotion, it does not define who I am.” You’ll notice the overwhelming feeling melting away.
The practice of releasing attachments may be difficult, but only because we have accepted our attachments as part of our lives, believing it is in accordance with the society.
