Let go of attachments to external things from "summary" of Art of Living by Epictetus,Sharon Lebell
To achieve true freedom and peace of mind, it is essential to release our attachments to external things. We often place our happiness and sense of self-worth on possessions, status, or relationships with others. However, these external factors are fleeting and can easily be taken away from us at any moment. By letting go of these attachments, we free ourselves from the rollercoaster of emotions that come with them. We no longer allow our happiness to be dependent on external circumstances that are beyond our control. Instead, we learn to find contentment within ourselves, regardless of what is happening outside of us. When we release our attachments to external things, we are able to focus on what truly matters in life - our own inner peace and well-being. We are no longer consumed by the pursuit of material possessions or the approval of others. We find a sense of freedom in knowing that our worth is not determined by what we have or who we know, but by the content of our character and the strength of our spirit. This practice of letting go of attachments is not easy, as it requires us to confront our deeply ingrained beliefs and habits. It challenges us to question the societal norms that tell us we need to have certain things in order to be happy. However, the rewards of this practice are immeasurable, as we are able to experience a sense of liberation and inner peace that cannot be shaken by external circumstances. In the words of Epictetus, “Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not.” When we accept this truth and release our attachments to external things, we are able to live a life of true freedom and fulfillment.
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