The Law of Detachment

The definition of the law of attachment might be understood by pondering the following quotes.

"As we want it and allow it - it is." -Abraham, from Jerry and Esther Hicks

"The Law of Detachment says that in order to acquire anything in the physical universe, you have to relinquish your attachment to it." - from The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

How can something so simple be so difficult to grasp? How can one little law be the brunt of so many of our laments and ailments? Detachment has been, for me the most difficult Universal Law to grasp. One minute I'm fine for example, saying, "I'm perfectly okay if I never get my book written. I know that all is well and divinely perfect. I'm completely detached and totally fulfilled now." The next minute I'm saying, "Ugh, why can't I just have some time to write and finish this darn thing! I want it completed now!"

The struggle and perpetual vacillation continues as one minute I'm honoring the perfect timing of the Divine in my life, knowing that Spirit never makes a mistake while the next minute I'm having a spiritual temper tantrum screaming, " I WANT WHAT I WANT, WHEN I WANT IT - NOW!"

When we have these little temper tantrums it is always because we are looking at that which we do not want in our life. We are looking at the lack of what we want as opposed to looking with faith towards the desire. Ernest Holmes in The Science of Mind wrote, "Never look at that which you do not wish to experience." Turning away from our limited reality and maintaining focus on the vision of our desire while diligently allowing it to occur is practicing detachment.

Often the questions that arise when working with clients on detachment have to do with, "If I say I don't care - won't I manifest it not coming into my life?" Or "If I relax, won't I get complacent and then stop all the energy that's flowing towards my desires?" Or "If I say I'm happy and content now, won't it keep me where I am forever?"

The answers (depending on the situation) will vary slightly but will always come back to how positive or negative you are feeling. How does it make you feel when you relax and let go? How does it feel to find happiness in the now while pursuing what you want for the future? Is it positive, joyous or comfortable? If the feelings are positive then you are in alignment with your desires. If your feelings are negative then you are still attached somewhere in the vision.

If you continue being in alignment (by letting go) while still maintaining the vision of the desire then (and only then) will you be practicing detachment and your desire will have to come to you.

Our ultimate personal growth and happiness truly depends on mastering to some degree the law of detachment. Some philosophies practice detachment by dismissing all desires while others practice detachment by honoring the sacred in everything. Choosing a method or a combination of methods will serve you to be a more intentional creator while experiencing more peace as well.