Attachments are like invisible threads that weave through every corner of our lives. These connections—whether to people, things, or even ideas—bring joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging. Yet, if we’re honest with ourselves, we know that these same attachments often lead to emotional turmoil. They pull us in conflicting directions, creating a push-and-pull effect that leaves us torn between happiness and heartbreak.
For me, the most profound and challenging attachments have always been those with the people I love. As a parent, the bond I share with my children is a source of immeasurable joy. Watching them grow, succeed, and simply exist in the world fills my heart in ways that are hard to put into words. But here’s where it gets tricky: with that deep love comes equally deep worry. The fear that something might go wrong, that they might face struggles I can’t protect them from, or that our bond could one day change—these thoughts used to grip me tightly.
In a way, it’s like holding on too tightly to a delicate flower. You want to protect it, but the more you squeeze, the more likely it is to be crushed under the weight of your grip. My love wasn’t the problem—my attachment to how things “should be” was.
This realization hit me hard when my kids started becoming more independent. At first, I resisted, clinging to the past where I felt more in control, more needed. But over time, I began to understand that part of my journey was to let go of these expectations. It wasn’t easy, but by releasing some of that emotional grip, I started to experience a deeper sense of peace—not just for them, but for myself as well.
It’s not just in parenting that attachments run deep. Think about how often we cling to things—physical objects, old habits, or even outdated beliefs. I’ve had my fair share of attachments to things that I thought I “needed” to feel secure. There was a time when I kept a house filled with things, thinking that having more stuff equated to more happiness. But in reality, the clutter only weighed me down, emotionally and mentally.
I started small, decluttering my space—letting go of items that no longer served me. It wasn’t about minimalism for the sake of minimalism; it was about untangling myself from the belief that I needed these things to feel fulfilled. And just like that, I realized this same approach could be applied to emotional attachments.
One of the most eye-opening moments in my journey came when I began evaluating my thoughts and actions through the lens of karma. I started asking myself: How much new karma am I creating with this thought? How much am I releasing? This practice shifted my perspective entirely. It’s helped me approach relationships and experiences with more awareness, focusing less on what I might lose and more on what I can give.
But perhaps the most transformative practice has been learning equanimity—the ability to remain calm and composed no matter what life throws at me. And believe me, as a highly emotional person, this is no small feat! There are still days when my emotions get the better of me, when I feel pulled back into old patterns of worry or frustration. But each time, I remind myself that it’s okay to start from where I am, to try again and keep practicing.
Equanimity doesn’t mean detachment from life; it means engaging with life in a way that keeps you centered. It’s recognizing that while we can love deeply, care passionately, and invest ourselves in the people and things we hold dear, we don’t have to let those attachments define us. We can step back, breathe, and find peace in the present moment, without letting fear or expectations control our happiness.
Untangling attachments isn’t about cutting people out of our lives or giving up on the things we love. It’s about loosening the grip, recognizing that true freedom comes from within, not from external validation or control. By learning to let go, we allow ourselves to be more present, more authentic, and more at peace with whatever life brings our way.
So, what attachments are you holding onto that might be weighing you down? How can you begin the process of untangling them, one step at a time?
If you’re ready to take that first step towards freeing your soul from the burdens of attachment, *What Every Soul Wants* is a great guide to help you on your journey. Grab your copy today from AMAZON, and as you dive in, I’d love to hear how the book has inspired your path toward inner freedom. Feel free to leave a review or reach out to share your thoughts!