Lesson 1: Non-attachment

"Be your own light and seek refuge in no other but yourself. Let truth be your light." - The Buddha


The most daunting part of my trip is over, which was saying goodbye to Brock for the next three months. I've been dreading this day, perhaps because I've tied myself to him so tightly that it requires letting go of a part of myself. I'm consciously putting myself through this because I know that solitude is amiable and in the end, solitude is all we have, so it's best that I get familiar with it.


That said, I am cleansed now that the worst part is over. I was just watching a documentary on the Buddha and the narrator quoted the Buddha on non-attachment. I found it comforting in my moment of emotional turmoil. I'm not in full agreement with my current understanding of Buddhist non-attachment, but I had my first glimpse of the spiritual benefits of disconnecting myself from the people who define me. 


Humans crave control of their environment. When we let go of our thoughts, and we let go of our emotions (positive and negative), and we let go of the people we hold onto, the consequential suffering ceases to persist. By letting go of the desire to control our environment and accepting life's raging waves, I become calm. Alas, this doesn't mean I've mastered my emotions. I am only but a humble student with so much to try and understand.


Philosophical discourse aside, I'm feeling completely and utterly elated. So here goes nothing, right?


Love and light, kids.