Attachments

Buddhist practitioners and Falun Gong practitioners believe that the root of our suffering is in our attachments--attachments to possessions, people, status, and emotions, to name a few. In order to obtain peace and higher level of being, these practitioners learn to let go of their attachments.

Attachments are measured by how strongly we are connected to and identify with our thoughts and emotions. The more we can detach ourselves, the more peace we can experience.

Thoughts and emotions are quite valid and need to be recognized. However, when we embody them and are consumed by them, then we have developed an attachment.

Examples:

- Jealousy is an attachment to what you fear
- Anger is an attachment to what you expect
- Resentment is an attachment to what you believe you deserve

We can embrace our thoughts and feelings without becoming them. Try to imagine them in separate bubbles. Hold them in space, away from you. This can help the process of lessening the attachment.

What are you attached to, and what could you possibly let go of, even if just a little?