Non-Attachment and “Not Caring” Are NOT the Same Thing!
Although the idea of "Non-Attachment" has Buddhist origins, it seems to have become a very popular thing in many aspects of the self-development world.
I sometimes get taken to task for subscribing to the idea of non-attachment because people look at me roll their eyes and say ”you just don't CARE do you!” Typically this is said in a somewhat accusatory tone.
Well, caring and attachment are two quite different things!
Non-attachment doesn't mean I don't care, it simply means that I am not attached to having control over the outcome of a situation.
Think of it this way: You offer someone a piece of advice, because you genuinely care about their predicament. However, you leave it up to them whether or not they act on that advice... and your non-attachment means that you are not going to get angry and try to "force the issue" if they choose to not take your advice.
The compassionate act was noticing their struggle and offering them a possible way to make things better.
Trying to force them to do something — even if you believe it would be a good thing — they don't seem to want is actually not very compassionate, is it?
It doesn't mean that I don't care, it simply means that it is not my place to force my way upon others.
Of course, I am by no means perfect at practicing this! And it definitely does take some "practice," because most of us tend to have controlling tendencies, even if we don't like that part of our personalities very much.
Thanks for reading and Bright Blessings to all!
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