"The idea is to remain in a state of constant departure while always arriving. It saves on introductions and goodbyes." -Boat Car Guy, Waking Life
I caught myself in pain at the thought of returning to the U.S. tomorrow. After several weeks of strolling around a region that is nothing short of ethereal, the idea of driving my car through St. Louis made my insides cringe.
Such is the strange phenomenon of attachment!
In this case, my brain went a little something like this: "My environment has been beautiful and peaceful, and I've felt lovely and peaceful. So, when my environment shifts to something less desirable, I know I'm about to go downhill, too."
It's a type of thought process that many people fall into, and as far as I'm concerned, it's dangerous as hell.
Interviewing my grandmother for my show "Ingrid" taught me many things- one being that you can't allow your environment to dictate your happiness. When I strictly focused on the facts of what she had experienced (from surviving bombing to permanently separating from her family as a child), her story was almost unbearable to hear. But when I honed in on her perception, her stories were full of playfulness and adventure. She never attached her happiness to her surroundings. The woman beat the game.
Non-attachment was easy enough for me to get behind in scenarios like hers. But if one were to really develop strength in this practice, it seemed to me it needed to be applied to all the people, places, and things that evoke bliss, as well. How could I enjoy what's around me while also not relying on my surroundings to make me happy?
Welcome to my personal edge.
When I started my career, I was devastated when a leader would retire. Then, I saw more and more leaders leave... and policies change... and offices move... and companies get acquired... and co-workers quit... and new co-workers get hired (and... I think you get the point).
Heraclitus was right. Life is flux.
I'm definitely not in the business of spiritual education. I will say, though, that having a personal practice that allows you to recognize your attachments will very likely serve you well, whether you're experiencing change or even leading it.
If nothing else, my awareness of attachment gives me a moment to get curious about what's going on inside my mind:
What story am I currently telling myself about leaving a certain space/person/situation/thing?
Would it be in my benefit to do a quick edit?
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