The Five Levels of Attachment Level 4 with Rev. Debora Gay

Lessons in Living a Thriving Life: The Five Levels of Attachment by Don Miguel Ruiz Jr.Would you like to reclaim your true freedom by cultivating awareness, detaching, and discovering your true self? Accessible and practical, Ruiz's exploration invites us to look at our own lives and see how an unhealthy level of attachment can keep us trapped in a psychological and spiritual fog.Ruiz explores the five levels of attachment that cause suffering in our lives. The levels are:Authentic SelfPreferenceIdentificationInternalizationFanaticismInstead of taking a given life experience for what it is, we create a story to make it fit our beliefs. Let’s look at how this process works via soccer team/game analogy that can be readily applied to any situation. We’ll explore this analogy every week.It is not necessary to read the book to participate in the discussion. All are welcome! Here’s what we’ll be exploring each week: The Soccer Analogy of Attachment Level 1- The Authentic SelfThe Authentic Self: You enjoy watching the game for what it is. The moment the referee blows the ending whistle – win or lose – you go on with your life.Can you enjoy a moment in time without any real attachment? Level 2 and 3: Preference and IdentityPreference: You now root for one team. You’ve invested an emotional side of yourself that enjoys the ups and downs of a great game, but are yet able to let go.Can you enjoy the ups and downs of life regardless of what is happening?Identity: You’re a committed fan of one team. While you’re able to enjoy a drink with an opposing fan, your attachment extends beyond stadium gates.Do you let your attachment change your persona? Level 4: InternalizationInternalization: Your association with your favorite team is intrinsic to your identity. Your team’s performance affects self-worth. Whether others agree or disagree with you is a condition for acceptance versus rejection.Do you accept people only because they align with you?