What is detached engagement?
In yoga, we are taught to practice detached engagement. What, exactly, does that mean? Although not easy to practice, this concept termed detached engagement is a life changer. Being human means having feelings and emotions. When you are aware of those emotions, and allow them to flow without judgment, or attempting to control an outcome you are practicing detached engagement.
When you give your gifts in life without any expectation of receiving something back in return you are practicing detached engagement. When you let a situation just occur and play out with not trying to influence the outcome or a future event you are practicing detached engagement. Detached engagement is the concept behind performing random acts of kindness.
Detached engagement is not easy to do, but the benefits are tremendous.
I know from personal experience; this is not easy to do. However, I also do know that when I am able to do it, I enjoy my life far more fully. When practicing detached engagement, people open themselves up to be far more reflective. In addition, they don’t get caught up in the drama of the moment. They are very much participating in their life. However, they act as both a participant and an observer. All parts of life are experienced, but the outcome of each activity is not judged as being good or bad. In other words, you put away your judgment and instead look at the situation from a detached perspective.
How to reduce frequent misunderstandings and upset.
If you find yourself getting upset frequently, and are having difficulty understanding why, or if you know what is getting you upset and would like to find new ways to approach the situation, here are some thoughts on detached engagement. Putting into practice one or more of these approaches puts you on the path to viewing your life through the prism of detachment.
These methods include:
- Take nothing personally.
- Make no assumptions.
- Make as few judgments as possible.
- Let go of the need to be right.
- Let go of the need to be in control.
- Be passionate about all of life’s experiences, even the painful ones.
- Give all you have, your true gifts, to whatever you are doing.
- Detach from future potential results.
Living fully involved, yet detached, is something that can be learned, like any skill. The rewards for being able to do so provide one the ability to focus in the moment and manifest their true power to live to their utmost potential.
Random Acts of Kindness Decks
Pick up a pack of Random Acts of Kindness prompt cards to get some great ideas for showing acts of kindness to others. After you’re finished with the deck, as an act of kindness, gift it to another person and watch the ripple effect take hold.
