Hi, today I would like to share about the interesting topic, namely "How to free yourself from obsessions and material attachments", the main reason why I choose that topic because many people are too attached with people, materials and place, this kind of feeling will not let people's focus is growing, instead of decreasing, In psychology, obsessive feelings arising from being overly attached to something, one desires are often referred to as over-attachment or hyper-fixation. When a desire turns into an obsession, our brain becomes trapped in an unhealthy ‘reward system’ cycle, where happiness seems to depend solely on that one object or outcome.
Here is the psychological perspective and steps to let go of attachment:
1. Psychological Perspective: Why Does This Happen?
*Cognitive Rigidity: Cognitive psychology views this as the brain’s inability to shift from one thought to another. You feel that something is the “only” path to fulfilment.
*External Locus of Control: You place the key to your happiness in things outside yourself (possessions, achievements, or people). Consequently, intense anxiety arises because you do not have full control over these things.
*Coping Mechanism: Sometimes, an obsession with something desired is the brain’s way of diverting attention from pain or emptiness in other areas of life.
2. How to Overcome Obsessive Feelings
A. Cognitive Defusion Technique
This technique originates from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The aim is not to suppress the thought, but to view it simply as a ‘thought’, not an absolute reality.
* Exercise: Change the sentence “I must have X to be happy” to “I realise I am having the thought that I must have X.” This distance helps reduce the emotional intensity of the obsession.
B. Practising Detachment
Detachment does not mean ceasing to desire, but letting go of attachment to the outcome.
* Focus on the process or effort you can control, and accept that the final result is beyond your control. In psychology, this is known as developing a Growth Mindset.
C. Expand Your "Portfolio" of Happiness
Obsessions thrive when you have only one source of satisfaction.
*If you are too attached to a single desire, start investing emotionally in other things (a new hobby, social connections, or other small goals). The more sources of happiness you have, the less power a single obsession has to damage your mental well-being.
D. Exposure to Uncertainty
Train yourself to feel comfortable with the state of ‘not having’. Try deliberately not thinking about or checking the progress of that desire for a few hours, then increase this to a few days. This will train your brain that you are still ‘fine’ without it.
3. The Perspective of Transpersonal Psychology and Mindfulness
Mindfulness teaches us to observe these desires as they rise and fall like waves.
*Observe without judgement: When the desire arises, be aware of the sensations in your body (a racing heart, tightness in the chest). Do not resist it; let it be there until its intensity subsides naturally.
When Should We Seek Advice?
If these obsessive feelings begin to interfere with daily functioning (difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating at work, or causing intense emotional distress), it is advisable to discuss them with a colleague or mental health professional to see if there are any cognitive patterns that need to be addressed through more structured therapy.