The paranormal community talks a lot about attachments. Typically, this term refers to energy that you may pick up from a reportedly haunted place. This energy can be negative, positive, or neutral but it is something that did not originate with you. But did you know that there are other types of attachments? One of the most common attachments is the kind we create ourselves. 

When we are close to people, we form bonds. These bonds can become stronger the longer we are engaged in a relationship with that person and they become a very important part of our understanding of self. These bonds provide comfort, reassurance, love, friendship, protection, and a variety of other basic social needs. Unfortunately, people die. So we mourn the loss of this person and all of the things they meant to our life. We hold tight to our memories and silently wish for one more day, one more hour, one more minute. Often, we can still feel their presence in our life. We hear the words they would say to comfort us and remember the slightest touch on our skin. This is all very normal and a necessary part of grieving. 

But eventually we must find a way to move forward without that person. 

When we refuse to let go of our dead, we can form unhealthy attachments that can be experienced as “paranormal”. When this happens, the attachment can become an obsession. People start to focus on the deceased person more than the living people still present in their life. They may reach to the dead for comfort or protection instead of a very present loved one. They may let the loved ones belongings linger and create mentally and physically unhealthy spaces within their home. They may even choose to stay in unhealthy living situations for fear of losing their connection with their deceased loved one. This is not fair to anyone involved (living or dead). 

We must be able to love those who are still with us and accept their love. We must allow our dead to move onto whatever may come next. Holding too tightly to someone is never good, even when they are alive. It can lead to resentment and hurt feelings. If there is an afterlife, then I’m sure you want your loved one to move on and experience what comes next. In my experience, this doesn’t mean that our deceased don’t touch our lives from time to time, they just don’t linger. We honor their memory by living beautiful and full lives that are shaped by the moments shared with them. We share their knowledge and stories. We embrace memories and keep moving forward. 

Yes, you can mourn but remember that your loved ones want you to live. They want you to be happy and successful. So do what you need to do and then walk forward freeing yourself and them from attachments. 

Until next time, I wish you peace and happy hunting.