We know we need to let go of our fears, regrets, anger, attachments, and anxieties, but often we cannot move beyond just knowing this. Having awareness without the knowledge of being able to do something is of little value. We often get stuck because we don’t know how to let go. Reflecting on how to let go can transform us.
When a child is playing with an expensive glass object, it is not always easy to just take it away without creating a situation. However, if we show the child a more attractive toy, the child easily lets go of the glass object. Our mind is like a child. When we focus on the higher, the lower automatically drops. Constantly looking for the higher in our life helps us let go.
When a metal cap is really tight on a bottle and just won’t open, using a candle to warm it up expands the cap, easing it to open up. We too carry anger which bottles us up. But when we apply the warmth of prayer, thinking well of the person who may have hurt us, it expands us within, helping us let go.
When someone is suddenly unwell, we immediately take charge and try to do everything we can. However, the moment we reach the doctor, we don’t let go of our care, but suddenly let go of the next steps knowing we are now in safe hands. Faith is our doctor. When we carry a deep understanding of faith and learn to surrender to the Higher, knowing we are in safe hands, it helps us let go.
A rope looks like a snake in the dark, causing concern, and the moment we shine a light on it, we laugh at our own misconception, letting go of our anxiety. Looking at things from a different perspective and realising things may be different than they look helps us let go.
Sugar holds on to its crystalline form until it immerses in water. It beautifully dissolves, becoming one with the water and yet sweetens the very water that takes away its form. When we connect with people at a fundamental level of love, respect, and oneness, it dissolves our ego, helping us let go.
We spend much of our time building a better life for ourselves, as we should. But building a better life is not just about learning how to get more, it is as much about learning how to let go.
(Picture – Squamish, British Columbia Canada)
So helpful!
Once, when I had a difficult phase in my life, my elder brother wrote, “Let go; Let God”. He further added, “A scout always whistles. This shall also pass.”