Love vs. Attachment

Love and attachment: two words that are frequently used together and sometimes even interchangeably. But is there a difference between these two?

For centuries writers, poets and, even, scientists have tried to understand and define the emotion we know as “love.” More recently, professor and sociologist Thomas Scheff undertook the mammoth task of defining the word, which he calls the most “vague” and “pliable” of all words associated with emotions.

According to counselor Abba Jepsen, attachment is “a state of binding oneself with personal ties.” It brings with itself a constant discomfort. This discomfort keeps people from truly being in the moment, as they are in constant fear of losing the love they feel toward the other person. By attaching ourselves to another, we rely on another person to make us happy and are emotionally dependent on them, adds Jepsen. It makes us develop a selfish focus, where only our own feelings matter. Consequently, attachment often fuels the negative feelings of jealousy, manipulation and revenge.

So, what exactly is love and what is attachment? And are the two really that different? Below, we’ve featured an excerpt from one of Sadhguru’s live talks where he explores the nature of love and attachment and the difference between the two.

How will your understanding of the difference between love and attachment impact your relationships? Tell us in the comments below!