The Myth of the Cave: A Lesson on Attachment
One of the central messages of the “myth of the cave” revolves around attachment.
A couple of weeks ago, I discussed how athletes often get too attached to results—whether it’s finishing a race in the top three, achieving a weight goal, or hitting a personal best. This attachment can lead to two common pitfalls:
- Reduced enjoyment of the process – focusing solely on the outcome can make the journey less fulfilling.
- Frustration with results – when the ego gets involved, outcomes can be liked or disliked, creating unnecessary stress.
Letting Go and Exercising Willpower
Today, I want to expand on “letting go” and the importance of using willpower over impulse. Our modern world is highly impulsive; we often act without a pause—whether consuming, buying, or reacting to a situation.
Practicing the pause—stopping, taking a breath, and giving yourself a few seconds to decide—helps you sharpen your willpower. For example, the urge to make a cup of coffee may feel immediate, but by pausing, you can ask yourself: “Do I truly want this, or am I just reacting to impulse?”
This practice applies to many areas: resisting snacks, habits, or even certain behaviors and relationships. By consistently letting go of impulsive urges, you strengthen your ability to act with intention rather than reaction.
The Ultimate Goal: Letting Go of Life
The broader lesson is that learning to release attachment and impulsivity in small ways prepares you for life’s bigger moments. By practicing letting go of trivial impulses, we train ourselves to eventually let go of life’s larger challenges with grace when the time comes.
In essence, mastering impulse and attachment is like sharpening your sword of willpower—it strengthens your ability to navigate life intentionally, rather than being swept away by external desires or circumstances.
