The Art of Letting Go
Letting go can be difficult. We hold on to things, and we hold on to them dearly because we feel that without them we’ll be less, or incomplete. We hold on to our material possessions, our relationships, our future projects, and sometimes even our thoughts. The truth is that we hold on because we are insecure. Attachment is a sign of insecurity. We’re afraid, that’s all. We fear losing that thing. Hence we hold on, often very tightly which drains our energy.
Another Truth is that we don’t really need to hold on to things. We hold on to our ideas and perceptions about the ownership of those things. We don’t own anything if we think about it.
We came naked, we’re gonna leave everything behind and die naked (technically speaking). We won’t take anything with us, not even a single thought. So why hold on?
Holding on is an action to help us feel we’re in control, which we think will help us feel better and less anxious. We feel that if we’re in control things will be better. But we obviously know that holding on isn’t pretty. It takes a toll on our mental health, and in turn on our physical health. So what should be done about it?
Letting go is the answer. In the process of letting go, we’re trying to sit back and be a mindful observer to the game that’s going on. We’re realizing and reminding ourselves of The Truth that we don’t own anything. Everything is given to us. Even our body isn’t ours. This entire body is nothing but food, and food comes from Earth. Our mind is nothing but thoughts, and thoughts are simply recycled impressions of what we’ve experienced.
Letting go can be arduous, but there’s nothing to worry about. Some methods to let go are ;
- Conscious and deep breathing
- Being in the moment: This moment is all we have. The past is gone, nothing can be done about it. The future hasn’t even come yet. In fact, the future never comes. It’s just the next moment. It is always the next moment. All you have then, is this moment. Be in it, enjoy it, bathe in it, allow it to wash over you and Heal you.
- Forgiveness: Forgive what people have done to you, not for their sake, but yours. They aren’t so important that you keep what they did to you in your heart and mind and take it to the grave. Just forgive and let go.
- Exercise: Exercise is a great way to let go. Any strenuous or fun exercise helps you to be in the moment.
- Music: Music can help you escape the chains of the past and the future. Listening to slow songs can even have a healing effect.
In the end, I’d like to say that you cannot let go. Sounds contradictory to what I said? Letting go is not an action that you do. It just happens. You cannot be like “ now I will let go “ and poof. It just happens naturally because that’s your true nature. It’s just like sleeping. You cannot choose to sleep. Sleep just happens to you, probably it’s why we say “ falling asleep “ because we slip into it without any control. So remember that letting go is not an action that you choose to do. It’s very much like sleep, it just happens. All you have to do is be and live in such a way that it happens sooner and enhances your quality of life. Therefore, you even have to let go of letting go, and instead lose yourself in whatever you are doing right now, just like you lose yourself in sleep. Happy letting go!
