Stuck in attachment?

What it is-
In the most simple terms, attachment is our perceived emotional connection to something.  In other words, attachment is a function of the meaning we have given to that thing.  Attachment can show up for you in any role of your life at anytime. 

My recent lesson on attachment-
I was recently reminded of an invaluable lesson I had forgotten.  Like many coaches, I am a entrepreneur and business owner.  Because of this, I had chosen to get a business line of credit to help fund the business, ideas and product design.  All was well, and then I received a letter.  The letter from my bank stated a vendor from 2006 had posted a negative mark on my credit report.  The letter went on to say my bank had the right to reduce my business line of credit because my FICO had been affected…even if it wasn’t my fault.  In short, money that was to be allocated was now gone.  $%&*!  Ok, minor setback.  Right?  I thought I’d figure out what happened, clear this mistake up, get the line of credit restored and get back to creating.  Long story short: It took three months and countless hours of my time to clear up.  Thankfully, the vendor did remove the incorrect credit report and my FICO was restored.  However, the bank was not interested in restoring my business line of credit.  When I received this news I was upset.  I thought “I’ve been a long-term personal and business customer with an excellent history.  This is bullshit!”  In the beginning, I acted the part of victim and wanted someone from my bank to make everything better.  My focus was on how this was getting in the way of my business and clients.  But during the three months of troubleshooting, I had ample time to shift my focus and receive a much greater message and lesson for me.

I had become attached to something and was not being open to other possibilities.  I was focused on my EGO’s story of how I had been wronged, instead of how I could be versatile and find a new way to create.  A simple shift.  A profound difference in my body, mind and experience.  When I have these wonderful moments, I tip my cap, smile and say “Thanks Universe.  I got the message.”  I released the attachment to that avenue—that vehicle.  Once I had let go it was EASY to look toward what could be and grab it!

Take a moment to remember or imagine a time when you let go of something, turned your focus toward new opportunity and grabbed it.  How’d it feel?  What was new, different and possible after your shift?

Today I’m so grateful because without that lesson I wouldn’t have found other opportunities and connections.  Everything is as it should be.

Why we do it-
Attachment is a symptom of the deeper root (your meaning).  If you are attached, consider the meaning you have given this thing.  The meaning is the reason you are holding on so tight.  In my story, I had made the meaning that the only way I could complete my projects was to rely on that business line of credit.  Which simply wasn’t true.  It was merely one of many options.

Ways we let it go-
1. Notice your negative emotions.  It’s the first indicator of tension around attachment
2. Get honest and clear.  Have a conversation with yourself or others to cut through the symptoms and uncover the meaning
3. Create options.  You aren’t at a real choice point until you’ve identified three new meanings and options
4. Choose.  Choose a more empowering and healthy meaning first and options second
5. Let go.  Be at cause and live with intention.  No need to hold on to what was.  As I was reminded, it feels WAY better to let go and get on with what can be!

Hope that story helps.  Empowering you,

Nate