The “Four Noble Truths” are one of Buddhism's most basic teachings. They go as follows:

1. Life is suffering.
2. The cause of suffering is attachment.
3. The end of suffering is possible.
4. The way to end suffering is the Eight-Fold Path.

While I'm not sure about numbers 1, 3 & 4, have always wholeheartedly agreed with #2: Attachment causes suffering. Should probably mention here that I also believe in the Buddhist theory of impermanence – that all things eventually go away. So, if you're attached to something & it must go away, you will eventually have sadness. Which is exactly what I've been feeling.

I've now been sedentary for 7 months. Although my feet have never been so itchy, knew I needed to settle for awhile after 3.5yrs of vagabonding. A year before I actually did this, placed it in my long-range plan. As silly as it sounds, wanted to grow a plant. Sure that's some subconscious symbol for rooting myself. Again, knew I needed it.

And again, I'm so ready to move on. Not just move – run! Run as fast & far away as possible! But I'm also sad. Sad, because I've become attached to people & things.

Perpetual travel does not allow for attachments. Yes, have been overly attached to some of my gear. And was never happy for a few days  after having to say goodbye to a good travel buddy. But the ability to release i.e. detach from them, is in my opinion, a learned, not inherent strength. I'm worried I've lost that ability.

Currently contemplating staying longer. My heart tells me that is the worst thing in the world for my soul. However, my rational mind is telling me it is a good option. If I come back for another 9 months, I'll have enough 'follow the winds of my whims' money for 6 straight years.

And Kurdistan, Iraq is not bad. While it meets less than half of the items of my ideal city checklist, I have become attached. I'm going to miss my dear friend Amy horribly. I want to see my geraniums blossom. Gonna miss being a walk to the freezer away from the perfect martini and fresh-brewed coffee in the morning. And some other minor things. Ok, after having written my list, it really doesn't seem so bad.

But I'm still attached...and getting sad about having to say goodbye. Can feel myself already starting to pull away in order to ease the pain that is to come in 22 more days. But trying to remind myself to live in the moment & enjoy the here & now.