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Attachment Quote by W. Timothy Gallwey

“The cause of most stress can be summed up by the word attachment. Self 1 gets so dependent upon things, situations, people and concepts within its experience that when change occurs or seems about to occur, it feels threatened. Freedom from stress does not necessarily involve giving up anything…” quote by W. Timothy Gallwey
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““The cause of most stress can be summed up by the word attachment. Self 1 gets so dependent upon things, situations, people and concepts within its experience that when change occurs or seems about to occur, it feels threatened. Freedom from stress does not necessarily involve giving up anything, but rather being able to let go of anything, when necessary, and know that one will still be all right. It comes from being more independent—not necessarily more solitary, but more reliant on one’s own inner resources for stability.””

W. Timothy Gallwey

About This Quote

Source Book: The Inner Game of Tennis, W. Timothy Gallwey, 1974

Stress arises from excessive attachment to external circumstances; letting go and relying on inner resources builds true freedom.

In simple terms: Stress comes from clinging; freedom comes from inner independence.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate inner resilience and practice letting go.

Themes

stress attachment inner resilience freedom independence

Mood

reflective calm motivational

Type

advice philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • career transitions
  • relationship changes
  • health challenges
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

psychology mindfulness self-reliance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What attachments limit your freedom?
  • How can you strengthen inner resources?
A Different Perspective

Letting go can be difficult when attachments are deeply ingrained.

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