In 2014, I stood in front of our home for hours with hundreds of others (firefighters, neighbors, friends, police) and watched our house burn to the foundation. “Home” and everything in it, was lost.
If we become attached to things, associating things with who we are, we have a problem. Because when those things are taken away, which they will be, we lose ourselves. The same for our ideas.
And while it may be hard to understand, even attachment to other people and our own lives, will cause suffering when these things are in jeopardy or are ultimately lost.
We are only here for a short while, and we are sovereign beings, with no condition or requirement that we have any thing or person around us while we are here. We do have things and people around us, and enjoying them during our time makes life rich and wonderful. But we must be contented souls exclusive of these things, and exclusive of even our own bodies.
Non-attachment brings peace and contentment.
What a wonderful message of truth on how to live a contented and rewarding life. Thank you.
This is a peaceful thought indeed! To realize we are creators and in the process of creating we get to be the best tool and work with the best tools to accomplish the act of creating. In the end I am becoming more than my creations. I am reflecting the image of my creators vision for me in this world and when it’s all done the man I became in the process is what truly matters.
Now that one was deep. Well spoken.
Interesting perspective! It offers a pathway to inner peace
Excellent Blog Larry “Let Go” Thanks
Thank you Larry for the deep message, I also had a house fire and had both (my wife’s) car and my truck stolen out of my driveway! In the end thou it was the message that I had to see and that was the realization of what you are truly are grateful for! I was able to chose to be positive and I was grateful it was my chose to make! Thanks again Larry for the blog!
Sorry Larry for you’re loss with the house and contents.. I remember the day I live close by.. Hope you’re family is well today. Peter
Thanks for sharing your personal experience with the fire.
Your reflection reminded me of the two greatest commandments that Jesus gave as to whom we should love.
Also the reminder to not love things is important for all of us to remember.
THANKS
Love the depth of this post. While I’ve been a believer in “not loving things that cannot love you back”, I do struggle with the thought of not having attachments to people. Things are easy for me as I do not equate my worth to material things (yes even money) but after the relationship with myself, I feel that my relationships with others are what makes my life “richer” and more beautiful. So does that mean I’m attached to certain people? yes! And it’s an attachment that nourishes and fuels me. Obviously I know that we are all just here for a visit but the vulnerability in giving a part of myself to another is well worth whatever feelings of loss may come when that relationship changes. Thoughts?
Although I do agree with the approach of non-attachment to the material world (our bodies included), I would have to disagree with dismissing the value of attachment to others.
It is imperative for the survival of self and your ‘tribe’ to have a strong bond and sense of selflessness. It is hard to imagine enjoying any kind of life that includes being apathetic to your ‘tribe’.
To practice non-attachment is so much easier than to go along and do the hard work that is required to hang on. I can say I do not care and stop acting in a specific manner, follow or help certain people, I can change my thoughts to alleviate the pain and eradicate suffering. I can shelter my heart, body and mind by saying it doesn’t matter, it is not important. It is over, it is done, it is gone. But am I right? Am I more connected and less alone? Am I more authentic or am I a clown?