Sometimes I think it's easier to place our attachments onto someone or something else. When you watch a TV show or a movie and cry, yes the acting/writing/directing really came together, but seriously, why are you crying? Are you mourning a loss for fictional people or rather are you mourning a loss you have projected onto fictional characters because it is safer rather than to confront them? I think these are the more personal attachments, like the attachments I have to one day wanting to get married and start a family with someone. It's easier for me to transfer these sometimes to a fictional character so when a TV show or movie shows a more realistic outcome of these attachments, aka it doesn't work out, then well it's harder to swallow because then you may have to come face to face with what or who didn't work out for you.
Is there a difference between attachment and desire? Well, yeah. I desire good wine, chocolate and sex pretty often but I am not attached to getting those things, because when I don't I may be disappointed for a few minutes but then the craving dissipates or I remember I have to do laundry or whatever and I move on.
BUT - attachments, oh my. Those hang on, don't they? Sheesh...I mean I am attached to paying off my debt. I am attached to losing a few pounds. These items, among others are with me more often then I would like. The outcomes of these desires are intrinsically entwined with my day to day anxiety level.
I do believe that we have to keep our attachments in check. I think for most people that can be achieved by participating in activities and/or behaviors that help to keep someone in the present moment. The more often we find ourselves in the present moment the less often we worry about those things we are attached to. I find that like most things it's about consistency and practice. After a few days the attachments have less a hold on me, after a few months, lesser still. Do I think that maybe after a few years or decades of regular participation in whatever behaviors or activities help you stay in the moment you can realize that attachments are meaningless and have no hold over you? Perhaps, I mean anything is possible.
I do think that desires on the other hand should be manifested and checked in with. We can learn a lot about our desires. I don't think each and every desire needs to manifest itself but they can be very revealing. I find that desires are more often from a place of honesty and take shape in ones gut rather than ones head, which is where I believe attachments begin.
Well the sun is out and I have a free Starbucks coupon. I desire to be in the sun and I desire an Iced Venti Soy Caramel Machiato...done and done :)
