Living Responsibly…It’s Only Natural!

Sheryl Eaglewoman

Welcome! This week’s topic is a big one. We want to discuss "Attachment / Non-attachment" and "Emotional convenience". Seemingly 2 different aspects of emotional response, I see them as 2 different aspects of the very same expression of the self. Let’s discuss these two responses a bit and see where we find ourselves. Don’t mind the treacherous waters along the way.

Attachment. Non-attachment. How do we get from one to the other? Admit it. Most of us, if not all, have dealt with feelings of disappointment because we were attached to a particular response or result that did not happen. We allow ourselves to be attached to a particular outcome; a job, a spouse, a house, etc. When this happens, we open the door to pain and discomfort and disappointment. We know this and we still continue to do it over and over and over. Why? Because our spirit understands that with persistence and a little growth we will get to a point of understanding that maybe, just maybe, there is a way that ends with comfort instead of pain. Now admittedly, I want what I want when I want it. I’ll just put that out there up front. Most of us do. So what to do? How do we want what we want, not receive it and be okay with that? We have to come to a point of acceptance in ourselves that it is wisest to trust the universe as the universe always brings us what we need. Furthermore, when we can let go of what we think we want or need it will free up our selves to grasp what is being brought to us. Remember, when we hold tight to people and ideas, we suffocate ourselves. Ask me how I know. So in my mind, I know I want to live a life of non-attachment. I know it is what is required for my growth at this point in my life. And now, after conversing with a dear friend of mine, I realize the path to choose that will lead us to non-attachment is the path of least resistance. Now, how is that? We’ve already experienced pain. Exactly. Walking the path to comfort through our acceptance of what is being brought to us allows us to be free of expectation and thereby pain. Does this mean to not make any efforts toward what you want and desire in life. Absolutely not!! Go get ‘em folks. Give every effort towards manifestation that you can muster. Then…Let it go. Then you will find your freedom. There you realize non-attachment.

"Emotional Convenience". It is what it is. Many relationships we are in fall within this category. Again, I think we’ve all been here. Examples of emotional convenience include; not wanting to know the state or condition in a place or person so as to not have to do anything in response to that issue; being available physically or emotionally only when it is opportune or convenient for oneself, with a general disregard for others’ feelings; not caring or willing to take responsibility for one’s impact on people or places. How do we grow through this? For those of us guilty of expressing emotional convenience, what we should remember is, the process is still happening. Turning the channel from pictures of starving children is not stopping them from dying of starvation; not believing in global warming is not stopping the heating of the Earth. Allowing one’s self to be aware of his / her surroundings, on all levels, affords one the opportunity to do something, to create an impact. Our challenge is, we usually have to change our habits in response to this new awareness and change is generally not going to happen until it is more painful to not change. There’s that pain again. Remember, pain is not a Divine directive; it is a lack of listening to a Divine or Universal directive. For those of us who feel impacted by someone else’s conveniences, refer back to the paragraph above. Additionally, find the places in our selves where we do the same. As we heal from our non-choices (which are still choices, by the way), we will begin to understand we have an impact when we have relationships, be it with a person or the land. Might it be wiser if we gave positive direction to that impact before we release it into the world?

So why discuss both of these ideas at the same time? They are the reflections of each other. They are different degrees of the same thing; measures of personal control and growth. We want what we want for the most part, whether it be someone to be emotionally attached to us or for the world to just be a better place. We pass through huge regions of strife in our walks to this place of understanding and healing. We know innately that to survive we must give direction to our life. What we forget is that to get ourselves to where we are meant to be is to know that we will get there. Awareness is the key. Laughter is an answer. There is light in laughter. In light we begin to trust the universe and in trusting the universe we realize non-attachment. And in the realization of non-attachment we begin to really have an impact because our energy is not wasted on holding on to all of those "attachments" that we’ve been holding on to. Bingo!

Okay, so for some tangible help in the process. I really suggest flower essences to aid in healing emotional stresses. Brands known to have excellent products are Bach Flower Essences, Masters Flower Essences, and Flower Essence

Society. Be honest with ourselves. To aid in that process refer to the above flower essences and a good trusting friend or dog to listen. And remember, it is what we really want and we know we want what we want, so have it, do it, be it!

Question of the week? Could you give suggestions for informative books?

Answer: Actually, I’d love to. I will begin a Title of the Week section in this column.

This week’s title: Medical Herbalism, The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine, David Hoffmann, Healing Arts Press, 2003

Have a question you’d like to see addressed by Sheryl Eaglewoman? E-mail your question to sheryleaglewoman@livingresponsibly.com for "The Question of the Week".

Sheryl Eaglewoman is a Natural Health Consultant, Author and Publisher. Working in the Natural Health field for over 20 years, Sheryl has an extensive knowledge base, specializing in all areas of natural health, including herbal and homeopathic therapies, midwifery and organic lifestyle. Contact her at www.livingresponsibly.com or 406-892-1116.