The issue of letting go came up in Yoga the other day. Letting go is so freeing, but so many times, we’re simply not ready to let go. Our bodies hold onto things, and letting go completely isn’t always the best or most feasible option in a given moment. This can happen with our minds and with our emotional states as well. In other words, choosing to let go (or not) is much more than simply a bodily issue.
And heaven knows, this difficulty letting go happens so much in relationships, jobs, and many other areas of our lives. Sometimes letting go has to be done in stages if it’s to be done at all. Sometimes life pulls the rug out from under us, so to speak. I’ve certainly had situations where the Universe did the letting go for me because I wasn’t ready to let go on my own volition.
So I said to my students, if letting go and taking that leap of faith seems like too much, why not just loosen our grip a little bit? Ease up on our muscles and joints and bones a tiny bit. We can do that on the Yoga mat, in the gym, when exercising outdoors. On another level: Go a little easier on that person you love but who gets on your last nerve more often than you’d like to admit. Most of all, let’s all try to ease up on ourselves. Just a bit to start.
Because the relationship and energies we create with and within ourselves have a huge impact on how we relate to the world around us and to others.
By easing up just a touch, we make space and room energetically for fresh, healing energies to flood into our lives. Into our bodies, into our hearts, souls, and our minds.
It’s a radical concept, I know. But I’ve been practicing it myself lately and feeling more at ease. Maybe you can try it too and see what happens. Or what doesn’t happen. Sometimes nothing bad happens, but we’d never know if we didn’t ease into a slightly less comfortable moment. Like one of my teachers says, “See what’s on the other side of the pain and discomfort.”
Loosen that grip. Step out on faith. Let go, if only in stages.
Shanti!
Excellent article Bria, one to reread over and over when necessary. I can think of dozens opportunities when letting go was the only option, and you are right, it is so freeing!
Thank you 🙂 Hugs!
So inspirational. Many people out there need to read this. I have met many people in my life who had trouble letting go when it was the best thing to do.
We’ve all had trouble letting go at one time or another. It’s rough!
Letting go is a difficult and slow process. Those tips are very helpful. Great post!
Thank you, Azita. I write these things too as ‘notes to self’ just as much as reminders and ideas for my students and friends.