"If we live, we live to the Lord"

Do you ever roll your eyes at the New Years' resolution phenomenon? People spend the holidays indulging themselves and afterward, they notice the effects of their previous imprudent decisions. Suddenly, there is a great need to undo the consequences, but they lack the motivation to truly accomplish it. However, what are they doing that is wrong? Why is it wrong? In light of practicality alone, they let their desires control them for a month or so and then must fight to not remain in their control. As though they drive into a snowbank because it seemed desirable and wonder why it is so difficult to excavate themselves. Needless to say, attachment can be avoided. Detachment is not limited to undoing attachment, but also includes the act of not becoming attached.

From a secular perspective, this is a simple concept. If one considers addiction to something a possibility and they do not desire to be addicted, then they should limit the consumption of such a good e.g. if one finds spending money somewhat intoxicating, they should use a budget to moderate their spending. This moderating action of detachment naturally requires care for one’s being: the physical (diet, sleep, exercise, hydration, etc.), the mental (living an ordered and balanced life, keeping the mind from wandering into sinful thoughts, filling the mind with the good, true, and beautiful, sleep, etc.), and the spiritual (rhythmic prayer life, reception of God’s love (especially in the Eucharist), frequent reconciliation to God, etc.). Food can affect both our physiological state and emotional state. “Current evidence suggests that multiple mechanisms, including endocrine and neurocrine pathways, may be involved in gut microbiota–to–brain signaling and that the brain can, in turn, alter microbial composition and behavior via the autonomic nervous system.”[1] Exercise has a substantial effect on emotional health. “Women with low levels of physical activity had a near three-fold increased odds of both scoring high on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25, and self-reported depression, compared to women exercising almost every day. Even stronger effect-sizes were observed for men”.[2] Sleep is needed both for physical, physiological, and neurological functions. “Sleep disruptions have substantial adverse short- and long-term health consequences.”[3] The intentionality of detachment is often discussed as “mastery” of the faculties, this is a very significant benefit. “To have this level of control, we need to learn about the science-based patterns behind our emotions and thoughts, and how to manage them. If we know how our minds work, we can be intentional about influencing our thinking and feeling patterns. We can evaluate reality more clearly, make better decisions and improve our ability to achieve our goals. Thus, we gain greater agency and the quality of living intentionally.”[4] Bodily health and spiritual health are interrelated.[5] The moderation quality of detachment is the virtue of temperance which “is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods.”[6] The Catechism of the Catholic Church considers penance/satisfaction a recovery of “spiritual health”.[7] As a result, the Eucharist and, by virtue of it, the sacramental economy is likewise sources of spiritual health. 

In conclusion, the virtue of temperance, in all situations, is essential to detachment. If we don’t live a disciplined life, our desires will get the better of us if we are not careful. Our society opposes this most certainly. Society recommends forgetting about what fulfills us and seeking our lusts(fleeting things which we lose in the effort). If we do this best-case result is dissatisfaction and boredom. However, most commonly we will regret giving up that which we desire most for that which desire now. Further, there is still a not uncommon result, shame from hurting ourselves or others and not feeling we deserve the forgiveness. Yet, we are not surprised that the culture of death recommends this. If we are to truly be happy we must be suspicious of what we feel, what society recommends, and where these lead. Rather, if we are to truly live our faith the way God asks us to and thereby be fulfilled in our longs instead of momentarily satisfying them, then we must avoid attachment. Who were you created to be?

FN: 

1. Mayer, Emeran A., Kirsten Tillisch, and Arpana Gupta. “Gut/Brain Axis and the Microbiota.” Journal of Clinical Investigation 125, no. 3 (2015), 926.
2. Michael Grasdalsmoen, Hege Randi Eriksen, Kari Jussie Lønning, and Børge Sivertsen. “Physical Exercise, Mental Health Problems, and Suicide Attempts in University Students.” BMC Psychiatry 20, no. 1 (2020), 1.
3. Goran Medic, Micheline Wille, and Michiel Hemels. “Short- and Long-Term Health Consequences of Sleep Disruption.” Nature and Science of Sleep Volume 9 (May 19, 2017): 151.
4. Gleb Tsipursk,. “How to Manage Your Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors.” Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, April 13, 2016.
5. CCC, 1509
6. CCC, 1809
7. CCC, 1459

Distraction,

So many things which to give attention.

What do I truly want!

So much false taunt.

My God, My God why have I forsaken me,

Desires seem to be good but are not clearly

Broken the heart, weary the mind that breaks it,

I try follow Your lines but cannot trace it.

Confusion is the enemy’s gain,

Without which I would not prefer You slain.

Deceit,

Without your grace where would I be?