A mental state of being emotionally uninvested in outcomes while still caring and engaging fully. It means holding things lightly, without clinging or being controlled by desires, fears, or expectations.
Translated from Sanskrit 'upadana' (clinging) with the prefix 'non-.' The concept comes from Buddhist and Hindu philosophy, entering Western psychology in the 20th century through the work of therapists integrating Eastern contemplative practices with psychotherapy.
Non-attachment is perhaps the most misunderstood concept in psychology - people think it means not caring, but it actually means caring so deeply that you're willing to let go of controlling the outcome. It's like being a gardener who tends their plants with complete devotion while accepting that some may not bloom; the love is pure because it's not contingent on getting what you want.
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