In the modern-day world as much as the importance of ‘Non-Attachment’ is being proposed, even more so is the rapid increase of misunderstanding associated with it. Cold callousness, arrogant apathy, dire disinterest or uncouth unresponsiveness… are just some of the conjectured thoughts that come up with the word.
ASSUMPTION
Attachment, as we all know brings with it a huge quilt of expectations. Expectations which are often camouflaged and restrictive. The bottle neck, that reduces the inner landscape, decreases clarity of purpose and fogs intent. What we often don’t realize is that we are creating our own tunnels, our own turrets and our very own crenellations.
SUFFOCATION!
Conjectured layer of promises, prospects and designs of how things should be, what conclusions should be, how reactions and actions should be…like a potato dauphinoise thinly sliced, seamed in with flavored cream, spices and sometimes cheese – A luxurious side dish at the end of the day
FRENCH
Little do we know that this very quilt, which might originally seem protective and snug will leave us naked and exposed. Not to anyone else, but to ourselves only. The fort of innate security comes crashing down the moment things don’t happen the way they shouldhave been.
SUFFERING!
And then comes the real catch, that if you don’t have expectations then you are probably indifferent. The fear of becoming a ruthless, cold creature, or arrogant keeps taking us back to tethered ropes where we seem to think that unless we bring the boat back we won’t be successful. Attaching success to people, situations and things – in turn identifying with incompleteness.
PUZZLE
Non-attachment is really not any of the above. In simple terms it is not adhering to anything and acceptance of everything. Certainly not, does it imply that there is lack of warmth, purpose or intent – in fact if anything it is just that and so much more. Warmth of inner spaciousness, purpose of the development of spiritual muscle and intent of acceptance.
BREATH
Whether it is work, relationships, food preparation, sport drills or yoga practices – all we do is charge ahead with full force and an honest resolve, without waiting for the ideal outcome. In fact, there is no outcome because that would mean that we are forging ahead of time and not really enjoying the continuity of the present moments. Primarily not clinging to thoughts, results, rebuttals, destabilizers, brokenness, failures and frustrations! And open and whole heartedly submitting, accepting – what was, what is and what will be!
AH! RESPITE
Featured Photo: A tunnel-eye view of Dubrovnik City, Croatia
dhaani 