Attachment is Habitual Thinking
by Miao Tsan
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 We all judge our experiences through the filter of habitual thinking. In other words, we are unconsciously driven by how we think, and how we think determines the feelings and opinions we develops toward people, objects and situations. But such opinions and perceptions only distort reality, and unfortunately, we cannot help but interpret reality through self-centered thinking. For example, when we find ourselves in an unsatisfactory situation, we feel angry. We can’t help it. We characterize the experience as bad. But each thought we have also presents an opportunity for change, since every thought is independent and rootless, being empty in nature.
Each thought arises and dissolves simultaneously. Regardless of what the prior thought might have been, the potential for the next thought is unlimited: It can turn toward an infinite number of possible directions and destinations, because a free mind does not have to hold onto a particular trajectory in its thought-movement, nor do thoughts have to follow one another in a fixed pattern. Only due to the habitual mental tendency does our mind functioning become set on a certain predetermined path. The so-called habitual tendency (or unconscious mode of mind functioning) refers to the fact that the mind becomes preoccupied by certain thoughts. When one of those thoughts appears, it necessarily triggers a set of corresponding reactions. We experience these reactions with strong inertia. Our habitual mental tendency is the direction our thoughts take when we don’t consciously overcome this inertia to free them from the path of least resistance.
Uncontrollable reactions – especially anger, sadness or sensual indulgences – often become stubborn, nearly unstoppable attachments. It is as if we are an old phonograph record that keeps skipping at the same spot. Attachment is habitual thinking or an idea that occupies and disrupts our inner peace. When the mind becomes dependent on certain people and situations and repeats the same thoughts, it is attachment. When certain people, objects and situations continually bring out the same reactions and emotions in us, this is attachment. When we feel the urge to seek approval from a certain individual or take possession of certain objects, this too is attachment.
Various forms of attachment compel us to repeat thoughts and emotional responses that solidify the mental doors through which we perceive and judge the world. A life driven by attachment will be characterized by the repeated manifestation and deterioration of similar issues and problems.
–âMiao Tsan, from "Just Use This Mind"
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Attachment is Habitual Thinking
What does attachment mean to you? How do you get more aware of attachments that are limiting you? Can you share a personal experience where you were able to see your attachment in action? |
| Conrad P Pritscher wrote: For me, attachment is a desire for some thing or event that is presently not happening as I think it should. By noticing and consciously limiting my desires I reduce attachments that are limiti… |
| denis khan wrote: Focusing on an enjoyable project can help you to access the Theta brainwave state, which is a level where you are most likely to receive creative inspirations and spiritual breakthroughs… |
| david doane wrote: To me, attachment means holding on in a way that I am gripping it and locked onto or into it. This attachment can be to a person, a group, a thing, a viewpoint, a way of behaving. I… |
| aj wrote: I very much agree and can relate to your words, David. Thank you for your sharing! … |
| In Him wrote: I am a self professed “people pleaser”. I like everyone to feel loved, welcome, forgiven and free to be the people God created them to be. Throughout my life, I find myself more ‘at… |
| denis.khan@gmail.com wrote: Thomas Kempis, in his best seller, ‘Imitation of Christ’ says that if we were to fulfill one New Year’s Resolution every year, as time goes by, we’d be near perfect huma… |
| Blessings wrote: Amen to smiling and sharing joy, Denis. … |
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Editor’s note: In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are taking a moment to reflect deeply on his life, his wisdom, and the message of nonviolence, hope, and equality that he delivered to the world. As we continue on our journey spreading smiles and small acts of kindness, we are doing our part in sharing in Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream for a better world. Keep doing what you’re doing and have a lovely week!
Sangha of Auspicious Companions 