The idea of detachment can be a little confusing.
I initially thought that to be detached was about being uninterested or not caring,
But I have learned it is actually the opposite.
It is a practice of being in the chaos of life,
Which is inevitable at times,
But not being swept up in it.
Detachment requires us to be fully present in the moment without placing labels or opinions on ourselves or other people.
And we can choose then to engage mindfully by accepting what is,
Acknowledging our humanness,
And then deciding if there is an action that needs to be taken from an intention of love.
Judith Lasseter in her book Living Your Yoga says,
When you allow yourself to see things as they really are,
Then and only then can you love yourself and others without hidden expectations.
Detachment is the greatest act of love.
So as we begin our guided meditation,
We will bring our full attention to what is,
Using our breath initially and then a visualization.
So let's begin by finding a comfortable seat or lying down,
Whatever is most comfortable.
Closing the eyes down or a soft gaze.
Begin by deepening your breath and slowing it down.
Let's take a deep inhale into the nose and an open mouth exhale to release.
Two more times,
Deep inhale into the nose.
Open mouth exhale,
Release.
Inhale time,
Inhaling,
Exhale to release.
Now bring to mind something or someone you feel very attached to,
Almost like a clinging sensation.
This could be wanting a particular outcome,
It could be a need to be right about something,
Or perhaps it's an expectation of someone to be a certain way for you.
Place a spotlight on this attachment as you continue to breathe deeply.
Holding space for this event or person.
Now I'd like for you to picture yourself beside a river,
A river that is flowing downstream from you.
And you pick up a leaf,
A leaf beside this river and place it in the palm of your hand.
And allow that leaf to absorb your attachment.
So all the feelings,
Emotions and energy pour into this leaf.
And when you are ready to let go,
Gently place this leaf in the river and watch it float away from you,
Downstream until you can no longer see it.
Reminding yourself that in this moment,
It is safe to let go.
Simply knowing that I am ready to fully engage with life.
Remembering detachment is the greatest act of love.
Drawing in a deep inhale and a full exhale.
Letting go.
It has been an honor to guide you through this meditation.
Namaste.
