Attachment

Part One
I saw this comic strip in the paper and loved it:

Rhymes With Orange by Hilary Price

In January, I will be traveling for four weeks with nothing but what I can carry on my back.

No that's wrong. I will be traveling for four weeks with my incredible boyfriend. ...who I will not carry on my back.

When describing the constant I forgot to pack something feeling to a friend, she said, "You have yourself and that's all you need." This turned out to be a soothing mantra time and again.

This time I have myself AND I have him.

What a cutie.

Part Two
...But just a quick reminder to myself- this will be 28 days WITHOUT

makeup

an expansive assortment of shoes

Internet

my family

work!! 

Part Three
This article is titled "Attachment" inspired by my Buddhist studies as of late. The Four Noble Truths outlined by Buddhism are simple statements that basically sum up the practice and beliefs. This article focuses on points 1 and 2 -

1. If you are alive, you will suffer.
2. The cause of suffering is attachment.

The I forgot to pack something feeling is a perfect example of that. It is suffering over an event that may or may not come to be. Worrying about the possibility that I might need or want something I may not have in that moment. That is silly. I don't leave for several months and already I am thinking about this issue. Stop, Natalie.

Luckily, points 3 and 4 give hope.

3. You can end suffering.
4. End suffering by following the Eight-fold Path.

More on the Eight-fold Path later.