10-Oct-2010

Surf Life's Seasons

Cultivate Non-Attachment

Mother Nature reminds us that everything has its season. The ocean waves illustrate the ebb and flow of life. Ancient yogis gave us the concept of non-attachment—surrendering to a Higher Power—as evidenced all around us in the yearly seasons and the eons of evolution.

On a personal level, non-attachment doesn’t mean saying “No.” On the contrary, when you experience the impact of any of nature’s cycles such as birth, death, pain and loss, just let go and feel everything fully. It will send you on a journey, during which you may experience opposing emotional states. Funerals, for example, are often incredibly joyous occasions. Only when you give up resistance to what is happening can you be truly unattached from it. Let the tears fly and see how soon tears of joy follow. Cultivate your inner yogi by living honestly with your feelings. You’ll experience both the dualistic nature of life and the means to step out of it.

Recommended Read: Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life by Gail Sheehy