Originally Posted by Og

Detachment is not renunciation laura. You don't embrace them and you don't reject them. Embracing or rejecting polarizes you to an idea (thus connecting you to it). The point of detachment is in that little phrase about a butterfly:

If you love it, let it free, if it comes back, it was meant to be.

The point of detachment is to enjoy the symphony of life in its entirety. Don't grasp to a verse that you thought was beautiful at the expense of the song. Don't reject an instrument in the chorus that you don't like. Just enjoy the music.

Say to your friend that your happiness is not derived from them. Existence is like a beautiful melody when they are around and it is like a different but still beautiful tune when they are not around.

There's nothing that says you have to become a robot where detachment is concerned. Experience those feelings! Be aware of your responses. Don't be a creature driven by the fickle fluctuations of life over which you have no control.

It's joyful participation in the sorrows of the world. And no sweat if you don't want to do it. Life goes on!