The Confusion About the Meaning of Emotional Detachment

Emotional detachment is often associated with the inability to connect with others on an emotional level. It is also regarded as a means to cope with fears and anxiety by avoiding the situations that trigger them.

It is a way to stay away from feelings one does not want to experience. Sometimes, this state arises in cases of trauma when one wants to disconnect from the traumatic situation. In this case, one is physically present but elsewhere in his or her mind, as if not being present.

However, emotional detachment has a positive side too, and this is what I am talking about in my book, Emotional Detachment for Happier Life. Developing this ability consciously and intentionally is something quite different. It is not a morbid state but a state of inner peace and inner strength.

Positive Emotional Detachment

Reading the above words might lead to confusion about the meaning of emotional detachment, especially for people who regard it as an unhealthy situation. However, it has its positive side.

It is quite different when you develop emotional detachment intently, in a conscious way, and for a positive purpose. By doing so, you develop its positive aspects, which are useful in many areas of your life.

If you have been meditating or if you have been reading spiritual literature, you would have discovered that detachment is highly regarded. It is a means for progress in meditation, quieting the chatter of the mind, gaining inner peace, and as an important step on the way to spiritual enlightenment.

This skill, and it is skill, helps you in unpleasant situations at work when you need to work and interact with unpleasant people, demanding people, or people whom you do not like.

It helps you stay unruffled and in control of yourself in difficult or dangerous situations, and it gives you space and a feeling of freedom wherever you are and in every situation.

Emotional detachment is a positive attitude that helps you avoid getting unnecessarily entangled with the emotions of others. It also protects you from reacting in an emotional manner that might cause you trouble later.

You might think that detachment could cause estrangements, indifference, and lack of feelings. The kind of detachment I am talking about has nothing to do with this sort of behavior.

You can bee aware and considerate of other people’s feelings, love and care about them, but at the same time, be calm and relaxed, and not overwhelmed by their emotions and problems. You keep a calm mind, act with common sense and inner strength, and do not allow emotions disturb your inner balance and harmony.

In my book, emotional detachment for happier life, I have covered this subject, clarified and explained it, and provided ways to develop “positive emotional detachment”.