Non-Attachment – Part 3 of a 3 Part Series

by | 22 Sep, 2014

Practicing non-attachment is both an art and a science.

(To read part 1 go here, or to read part 2 go here)

Here are some methods to put non-attachment into practical effect:

  1. Notice if I am clenching. By clenching I mean feeling territorial, controlling, determined at all costs, frustrated, unhappy or stressed about a situation. Any of these things are likely to be signs of attachment.
  2. Coming into awareness that I am attached, and then consciously decide to let it go
  3. Use of the breath to help let go: take a deep breath in and then let the clenched energy go with the out-breath
  4. Don’t stop caring, don’t stop contributing or working towards something, just stop controlling
  5. Be balanced in your approach
  6. One can be non-attached but still say how we feel, thereby practicing the virtue of assertiveness. Give opinions without using heavy (threatening, accusing, rude) or even light (speaking down, condescending, know it all) control style. Both of these are a pain in the butt for others and will not likely lead to a positive outcome
  7. Cut cords of attachment to the thing or outcome and practice internal satisfaction and happiness in the now
  8. Ask for Divine help in releasing attachment. Sometimes this is best done through heartfelt prayer. We are not always strong enough by ourselves to let go of whatever our ego is attached to having
  9. Ensure our behaviour is dharmic. This means, be kind, loving and considerate in thought, word and action. Sometimes this is easy and sometimes it is hard. That doesn’t mean we ought ignore the opportunities that come up to strengthen our capacity for right conduct
  10. Distract your ego: find something else for it to play with and ensure you have a bit of fun in your day along the way. In other words: parent your inner child: let them know they are loved and valued irrespective of the thing we were attached to
  11. Use situational intelligence. Prioritise the matters where non-attachment is called for, practice on small things if you want to first
    Reward every try that you make in the non-attachment department.

I bless you with greater capacity for non-attachment: breathe in and receive the blessing now.

Om Shanti
Namaste Shakti Durga

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