Softening Our Attachments

Hi, and welcome to your Daily Mindfulness. Today I'm going to talk about how mindfulness can soften our attachment to things. So one of the most important and life enhancing insights that we can have through mindfulness is this insight into the impermanent nature of things. So in meditation we may come to observe how, how breath arises and passes away, how our thoughts and emotions arise and pass away away. And eventually we come to this awareness of the fleeting nature of our whole moment to moment experience of living.

And if we really pay attention to each and every moment, then we're constantly reminded that no two moments are the same. They're fleeting, they're unique, totally unrepeatable. And we're also reminded that we can't really hold on to anything, no matter how much we want to. Life just keeps moving in a continuous flow of movement and sensation. And although this recognition of impermanence can feel a little bit scary or uncomfortable at first, in time, it really brings a sense of inner freedom, wonder and a deep appreciation for each thing and each moment as it arises.

And when we see that all things come and go, the idea of possession and the feeling of clinging to things often softens and gives way to a deep sense of gratitude. Even our loved ones and we, as individuals, as human beings will also come and go. And the more we gently, but courageously open to that knowing, the more we tend to experience a greater appreciation for life and for all the precious things and people in our life. Perhaps in time, this realization means that when we no longer feel so we're compelled to chase after possessions or achieve things just to impress. And there might not be such a tight grasping even to the idea of having something called "mine." When we know that everything is transient, we can let go of desire and clinging a little bit more and open up to a genuine love of life and each other a little bit more.

And when we find a place where we're more deeply, okay with the transient and uncertain nature of life, we also find ourselves more deeply in touch with the inner peace, wisdom and strength that comes from abiding in the ever present awareness at the heart of who you are. So as always thank you for your practice and your presence here with us. And now let's settle in for today's meditation.