Part 2: The grip of Attachment
How Craving Clouds the Present and Blocks the Path to Insight
In life, one of the most common obstacles to being fully present—and thus fully effective—is attachment. It acts like a subtle hook, pulling us away from the present moment and clouding our awareness. Attachment often shows up as judgment—those “should have’s” and “supposed to be’s,” the thoughts that create an itch we feel compelled to scratch. For example, someone might say, "This room is too cold," while another claims, "It’s too stuffy." These judgments, while seemingly trivial, pull us out of the moment and away from what truly matters.
Attachment can also manifest as desire—like “food envy,” where we covet someone else’s meal. When we indulge in that desire, we rob ourselves of the full enjoyment of our own food.
Image was AI generated using DALL-E, Open AI’s image generation model
In these moments, attachment acts as a filter, colouring our perception of reality with the belief that things aren’t as they should be. But the truth is, things are exactly as they are. And it’s only when we can see clearly—without the distortion of attachment—that we can fully experience the present.
In the workplace, especially in environments like the Public Service, attachment to outcomes—such as "delivering"—is deeply ingrained. This desire to meet expectations is one of the strongest drivers of leadership. But it’s also one of the greatest barriers to presence. It’s a subtle filter that leaders wear, one that can obscure the reality of what’s actually unfolding. Without the ability to step back and sense what is, decisions can be clouded by a desire for control.
Take, for instance, a strong version of attachment: the pursuit of perfection. This often leads to a familiar issue—“paralysis by analysis.” We get stuck in the cycle of needing more information, unable to accept that sometimes “good enough” really is enough.
Attachment keeps us from connecting with what’s real in the moment. Instead of sensing and accepting things as they are, we’re constantly searching for something better, something more.
How to Purify the Waters
In the coming week, take a moment to notice when attachment arises in your life or work. Observe it without judgment—how does it manifest? Instead of immediately acting on the impulse, pause and simply notice what unfolds. This small act of curiosity can open a space between stimulus and response, allowing you to relate to your attachments with greater freedom and clarity. Approach this as an experiment, not an act of deprivation, and you may be surprised by the insights that emerge.
If you’re ready to deepen your understanding and explore the transformative potential of this practice, reach out today. The path to clarity and insight begins here.
