Recognize the Disguise: commitment or attachment?

Often wonder why one day you will be so motivated and excited about something and the next day it just fizzles out? There are many reasons I'm sure, and all are specific to you, but consider that one of the reasons is that what you thought you were committed to, you became attached to. There is a big difference between being committed to something and being attached, one that is often overlooked.

When we are attached to something we have an emotional response to the results of that thing. For example, I really want a raise at work. I feel like I deserve it, I work hard and I feel that I'm committed to the job and loyal to my boss. So I ask for a raise and my boss says no. I equate that 'no' to "I must not be a good worker" or "he thinks I'm stupid" or "I don't deserve it" or "I'm not good enough." I was so attached to the result that when it doesn't go the way I would have liked I feel angry, desperate, stressed, resentful, worried, oppressed and disappointed.

Being in a state of attachment to a result or to a project we are taking on, or to a job we do leaves us with a lack of passion, freedom, fun and fulfillment in our lives.

When we are attached to something it becomes like work. Sometimes we can still get things done and achieve the results we want, but we are only committed to the result.

When we are truly, and deeply committed to something we are always in action. Life is full of passion and freedom, fun and possibilities. The projects we take on seem less like work and more like fulfillment. We are open to people's points of view and we are in a space that is expansive, where we can grow. We don't get upset when things don't go our way. When my boss says no to my raise I don't take it personally, I take the answer for what it was, not what I think it might mean. I'm committed to getting a raise and it comes out in my outstanding work ethic and enthusiasm. When something is a commitment nothing can stop you from getting what you are committed to, because you're committed to the future.

So next time you have an issue with someone you care about, instead of going in fighting and attached to winning and getting them to see they are wrong, go in from your commitment. What are you committed to in the relationship. When you remember that you are committed to having a great relationship filled with love and joy, you will have a different outlook on the discussion, and it will have a more positive outcome. Remember that it's not just about the result of that discussion, it's about the future of the relationship.

We can recognize that attachment to things like material objects can bring about trouble, but attachment to other things in our lives is just as bad. So next time you're struggling to finish that project you were so excited about before, remember where it stems from. When you decided to take it on it was for a great reason, one that's important to you. Remember why your were committed to it in the first place, what you want it to help you achieve for your future, and you'll find the task a lot less daunting.

Namaste.