Thanks for reminding me to breathe, Laurie! The angst/tension/fear you mention is constantly swirling around me, too. I struggle with finding the balance between keeping my emotions at arm's length and not sticking my head in peaceful sand. I think the peace/love you (and the other wise people in your post) describe can help us stay in the space of resilience so that we can spend our energy on the things that really matter - close-to-home things, and the really big things too.
I am reminded of a teaching that comes from Angeles Arien's book "The Fourfold Way". I have taught this many times over the years, and it is a maxim by which I live.
The Theme of Detachment
The primary purpose of the trickster archetype is to teach human beings about detachment. Most Westerners equate the word “detachment” with “not caring.” Linguistically, however, the word detachment is most often defined as “the capacity to care deeply from an objective place.” So, when we use the term “detachment” here, we are speaking of what you may think of as nonattachment, letting go, maintaining our sense of humor. If we observe what causes us to lose our sense of humor, we can identify our point of attachment. Where we maintain our sense of humor is where we are detached and can remain flexible.
When we are detached, we are able to calmly observe our reactions to situations and not get pulled into an emotional position. Don’t confuse this with coldness and not caring – it’s quite the opposite. When we don’t get pulled in, and when we maintain our sense of humor, we demonstrate our own capacity to care deeply from an objective place.
The majority of spiritual traditions address the theme of detachment. Harrison Owen, in his book Leadership Is, has consolidated these themes into four principles, which he calls the immutable laws of the spirit: “Whoever is present are the right people to be there; whenever we start, it’s always the right time; what happens is the only thing that could have happened; when it’s over, it’s over.” Underlying each of these premises, whether we agree with them or not, is the principle of acceptance rather than resignation. Can we accept the experience as it is and then be creative with it, rather than be resigned or fatalistic about it? Acceptance is an important part of detachment. The feeling of resignation is always a sign of the presence of attachment.
Thanks Steve for sharing this. I love looking at this from this perspective - especially like the difference between detachment and nonattachment ;) Giving me something to think about! And - LOVE Owen's leadership principals -- so mindful!
One of your best yet! And certainly a message I need to hear!
Truly beautiful, Laurie. I love your quotes and reassuring words, especially in this time of uncertainty:)
Thanks for reminding me to breathe, Laurie! The angst/tension/fear you mention is constantly swirling around me, too. I struggle with finding the balance between keeping my emotions at arm's length and not sticking my head in peaceful sand. I think the peace/love you (and the other wise people in your post) describe can help us stay in the space of resilience so that we can spend our energy on the things that really matter - close-to-home things, and the really big things too.
Beautiful, Laurie. As usual!
Nice piece, Laurie.
I am reminded of a teaching that comes from Angeles Arien's book "The Fourfold Way". I have taught this many times over the years, and it is a maxim by which I live.
The Theme of Detachment
The primary purpose of the trickster archetype is to teach human beings about detachment. Most Westerners equate the word “detachment” with “not caring.” Linguistically, however, the word detachment is most often defined as “the capacity to care deeply from an objective place.” So, when we use the term “detachment” here, we are speaking of what you may think of as nonattachment, letting go, maintaining our sense of humor. If we observe what causes us to lose our sense of humor, we can identify our point of attachment. Where we maintain our sense of humor is where we are detached and can remain flexible.
When we are detached, we are able to calmly observe our reactions to situations and not get pulled into an emotional position. Don’t confuse this with coldness and not caring – it’s quite the opposite. When we don’t get pulled in, and when we maintain our sense of humor, we demonstrate our own capacity to care deeply from an objective place.
The majority of spiritual traditions address the theme of detachment. Harrison Owen, in his book Leadership Is, has consolidated these themes into four principles, which he calls the immutable laws of the spirit: “Whoever is present are the right people to be there; whenever we start, it’s always the right time; what happens is the only thing that could have happened; when it’s over, it’s over.” Underlying each of these premises, whether we agree with them or not, is the principle of acceptance rather than resignation. Can we accept the experience as it is and then be creative with it, rather than be resigned or fatalistic about it? Acceptance is an important part of detachment. The feeling of resignation is always a sign of the presence of attachment.
Thanks Steve for sharing this. I love looking at this from this perspective - especially like the difference between detachment and nonattachment ;) Giving me something to think about! And - LOVE Owen's leadership principals -- so mindful!