By John Paul Lichon ’06, ’09 M.A.

Be spiritually detached from what we possess, and do not succumb to sadness for what we lack; shed unsatisfied needs. (Laudato Si, #222)

I have core values that I am steadfastly loyal to—I can be very stubborn, especially if I think I’m right. And I always think I’m right.

When I truly believe in something, I’m 100% behind that something, and this holds for the “big” things like my family and the profession I’ve chosen, but also for the “smaller” things, like the right way to follow a recipe or the way The Departed should have ended.

So this week, I decided to practice detachment. I decided to go through the house and detach myself from some of our possessions. The task was simple: fill up a bag each night and drop it off as a donation to a thrift store.

Clothes were easy: I had 38 t-shirts; I only have one body. Some pants I hadn’t worn in two years. Parting with those was a no-brainer.

Books were a lot harder. I like books—there is nothing better than a great book on your bookshelf. It is like having a trophy room of sophistication and intelligence. I have always thought that while you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can judge a person by their books.

The problem for me is that while I like owning books, I’m not so good at reading them. The number of unread books on my shelf outnumbers the ones I’ve read, and yet, I’m still attached to them.

Working through my bookshelf reminded me of all the ways I’m “attached” in my life. I’m attached to my possessions, whereby I own books because I like to own books. I’m attached to McDonald’s, because their double cheeseburger tastes like heaven after a long day at work. I’m attached to my phone and live by the illusion I’d be lost without it. I’m attached to my pride, because I think I know what’s right and what’s best.

So my prayer this day is one of detachment:

Lord, let me attach to you, and detach from evil.
Let me attach to humility, and detach from pride.
Let me attach to sacrifice, and detach from luxury.
Let me attach to joy, and detach from hopelessness.
Let me attach to peace, and detach from anger.
Let me attach to love, and detach from hate.
Amen.

John Paul Lichon is Assistant Director of Retreats, Pilgrimages and Spirituality for the Office of Campus Ministry.