The Power of Letting Go

I created a basic graph for what life looks like and how we can live as our best selves:

Life is a cyclical falling and rising: graduating college, getting a new job, being in a new relationship, losing a parent. We find ourselves feeling really good and then we start to melt a little, and then suddenly, something horrible happens that throws everything off track.

In the horrible moments, although we know that bringing ourselves back to the present moment and letting go can be effective, it is also extremely difficult. Even in the good moments our ego can take over. We try to take control of the feeling. We try to make it last. But nothing lasts forever, and learning to navigate and find meaning in both the rising and falling moments of life can be one of the most challenging aspects of our human experience. 

Recognizing that everything in life is impermanent is a universal truth that our society does not talk about enough. However understanding this can help us appreciate and savour the good and bad times whilst accepting the inevitability of change.

The experiment

This leads me to the experiment for this week: letting go and being present. I’m going to caveat with the truth that letting go can be a very hard practise to learn. It takes time and daily practice to get to a natural feeling of less attachment.

But learning to let go of these attachments can ease the emotional turmoil with the fall and allow you to move forward more gracefully. Attachments to the way things are, or the way you want them to be can lead to suffering when they inevitably change. 

💫 So, here is a brilliant meditation practise you can try by Ph.D, psychologist, author and teacher of meditation, emotional healing and spiritual awakening Tara Brach. I recommend doing this at least 3 x a week for 21 days to really get this idea of letting go to settle into your bones.

The scientific evidence

This week I don’t have hard backed science for you. However while there isn’t necessarily scientific evidence to prove this letting go can transform your life, there is a very influential Ted Talk by award-winning journalist Jill Murray that could give you a better idea of why this is so important for your wellbeing.

Hope your experiment goes well, let me know how it’s going over @hapehaven - would love to hear your thoughts!

Sending you much love,

Meagan