On Letting Go
Three thoughts:
Left to its old patterns, the mind will continue its reactivity and keep you functioning on autopilot. What the mind knows best is repetition, which normally keeps people in a state of survival that defaults into blind behavior, especially when difficult situations arise. Even when emotions are hard on the body, like stress, anxiety, hate or jealousy, we will continue repeating them if they are common ways that we have reacted in the past. Each reaction will even go as far as to slowly mold our perception, to the point where everything we perceive is first filtered through a thick layer of old conditioning combined with our current emotion. Since our perception is being driven by our past and our emotions, it will slow down our ability to witness reality as it is. The mind will not do what is good for it unless we intentionally train it to do so.
A common fear is that letting go might make you passive. We are often so driven by our pain and fear that it is hard to conceive of any other way of existing. The reality is that letting go will not make you dull, and it certainly will not turn you into a pushover, what it does do is reconfigure your mind so that you are no longer carrying the heavy weight of the past into the present. If we are seeking to reclaim our power, one of the essential steps to go through is realizing how much of our power we have given up to the hurt of the past and fears of the future. A lighter mind and clearer eyes make ample space for wiser decision making. Our ability to act intelligently and authentically improves greatly the more we let go.
Once we do find our practice of letting go, there is an immense amount of relief and excitement that we feel. It can be quite thrilling to finally have a way to heal and let go, a method that actually brings real results. There is nothing wrong with letting our excitement lead and letting our friends and family know that we have found a practice that actually works. It is meritorious to share good things with others, but we need to be aware to not develop a superiority complex. The ego can quickly grab a good thing and use it to create an imaginary hierarchy, where we hold our practice as much better then all others, and believe that our way is the only way for all people to heal. Or we may even see ourselves above those who have yet to develop an introspective frame of mind. In these situations, we need to actively cultivate humility and compassion, humility by understanding that our practice does not have a monopoly on healing and compassion for those who have not yet started their journey. Looking down on others is a sign that our ego still has too much control and is getting in the way of our peace. Remember, your practice may work great for you, but it may be the wrong fit for someone else.
Clarity & Connection:
My new book, Clarity & Connection, is one month old today! I am so glad it is out in the world and supporting people on their growth and healing journeys.
You can get a copy through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Book Depository for international orders, and at your local bookstore. Amazon is fully restocked and has ample copies of C&C again.
Clarity & Connection is the sequel to my first book Inward. You can open to any page for reflective material or read the book from beginning to end. C&C is for anyone going through a serious transformation and for those looking to deepen their connections.
If you loved the book and have the time, please leave a kind review on Amazon and Goodreads. A good review makes a big difference.
Journal Prompt:
What are you holding on to that is creating tension in your mind? What is a specific behavior pattern you have noticed and what have you done to set yourself free from it? Letting go is serious work, are you allowing enough space to take time off and immerse yourself in joy?
Links:
Clarity & Connection Barnes & Noble