Understanding Love and Attachment

Understanding Love and Attachment: The Profound Difference

There’s a well-known saying I remember from my high school days: "If you truly love something, set it free; if it comes back to you, it's meant to be." This adage often evoked contemplative thoughts on the essence of love. For many, it beautifully encapsulated love’s core values. Yet, it also opened up a much deeper dialogue on love and attachment.

Attachment vs. Love: The Misunderstood Emotions

Many perceive love as a form of attachment. We cling, we obsess, and we hold on, mistaking this intensity for love. But there's a stark difference between attachment and what can be termed 'pure love'. Now, when I refer to pure love, I’m not insinuating that there are varying degrees of love. Rather, I aim to bring forth the undiluted, untainted essence of love.

Attachment often stems from caring deeply for something and fearing its change. It's tied to our ego, which paradoxically aims to shield us from hurt but ends up causing us pain. When we are attached, we long for things to remain static. However, the only constant in life is change, and this resistance to it leads to heartbreak and disappointment.

The Ego’s Role in Attachment

Our ego wants to safeguard our emotions. But in doing so, it creates boundaries and divisions, promoting a sense of 'me' and 'them'. This division makes us see the loved object or person as separate from us. When that 'other' changes or departs, our ego-centric world shatters, leading to immense pain.

On the other hand, when we love from a place of higher consciousness, we see our interconnectedness with the universe. This awareness makes us realize that everything is an extension of us. In this realm, change is anticipated, embraced, and even celebrated. The memories and impacts remain, even if the object of our love physically departs from our lives.

Finding Oneness in Love

In the spiritual journey of life, as we grow and evolve, we shift from the ego’s separateness to a universal oneness. The experiences, the impacts, and the memories are indelible, making every interaction significant. This consciousness tells us that while the external dynamics might alter, the core essence of our relationship with something or someone remains unchanged.

Reflect upon the opening sentiment. Setting someone free in love is a testament to accepting and respecting their individual journey. It's about reveling in the memories and impacts they've left behind. And if they return, it’s the universe's way of affirming that bond.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while our ego-driven attachment might lead to fleeting moments of joy followed by pain, genuine love from a place of higher consciousness fills us with gratitude, joy, and an understanding of our eternal bond with everything. So, the next time you find yourself questioning love's nature, delve deep into its essence, moving beyond attachment, and embracing love in its purest form.

Continue to join me on this journey!

Peace and Abundance Always, Peter Abundant, Ph.D