Letting Go of Attachment

The ancient yogic texts list obstacles that lie in the path of yoga, attachment (sneha) is one of many. Holding on to thoughts, possessions, experiences and emotions cause us pain and suffering and hinder our progress of becoming whole. Below is a simple, systematic process to “let go” of attachments which can be easily mastered.

1 Awareness You must first be aware of the physical/mental/emotional attachment and be able to see the harm it is causing you and/or others in your life.

2 Acceptance Once seen, you must accept that the attachment is there and forgive yourself and/or others for its harm.

3 Acknowledge See how this attachment has changed your life, especially focusing on what you have learned and how you have grown from the experience.

4 Visualize Imagine in your mind’s eye the attachment floating away, dissolving, or evaporating. Watch it completely disappear from your life.

5 Be in the Now Bring your focus back to the present moment, breathe and feel everything that is happening right now. Feel your mind-body-spirit free from all attachment. Stay here as long as possible.

6 Repeat as necessary