Let that SHIT Go
Yesterday was a Full Moon and a Full Moon is the time of the month to LET GO of stuff. Literally, figuratively, physical, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. It’s a time to release, shed and chuck out!
I personally was feeling like I had some stuff to let go of so I did my “Full Moon Ritual” where I write down all the stuff that I want to release on a piece of paper, light it on fire in a small metal ikea bowl, watch it burn (wait till the bowl cools down), and then throw the ashes in a body of water (my toilet had to suffice because I was too lazy to drive down to the river).
I let go of both retreats I was looking forward to hosting in a few weeks, my fear of finances and the unknown of what’s to come but ultimately, it’s about letting go of the need to control. I am a recovering control freak. Ever since I was little, the frustration and anger would build when things didn’t go my way. I can feel my heart beat faster, the warmth of adrenaline rush over my body, I get shaky and then start looking for blame. According to some family members and I quote, I was a “spoiled little brat.”
This being the case, “letting go” is not something that comes natural to me or probably anybody. I am always weary of using the phrase “just let go” because if it were “just that easy” this world would be in a different place.
I also don’t think by just burning a piece of paper with some writing on it, that your body and mind can FULLY LET GO. Absolutely not, letting go is a practice that never ends. It’s not a line you cross, it’s a path you walk.
That little piece of paper, however; signifies an awareness and more importantly an intention. A resolve, that says, “Hey, look, I am really freaking worried, stressed and anxious about this stuff, and I’m not feeling so great. I’m sad, I’m frustrated, annoyed but my faith is bigger than my fears. I know I am only in control of my own emotions and actions, so I’m leaving ALL the other stuff up to something greater than me. I take full responsibility and accountability for who I am and the way I show up in this world, not as a reaction to what happens to me.”
Letting go is also all about going inward and shifting perspective. Here are some helpful questions you can ask if you are having trouble letting go:
How else can I see this obstacle?
How can I shift my perspective?
How can I adjust my attitude?
What can I do to be steadier and more grounded, patient and trusting?
What action step do I need to take to meet this challenge head-on?
How can I think outside of the box?
My girlfriend said the perfect analogy “This year is like juggling evaporating clouds.”
If you are finding it challenging to juggle these evaporating clouds or just want to find a more peace… Check out My Mindfulness Meditation Program
Letting go is truly an art form of patience, neutrality, surrender, acceptance, understanding, compassion and empathy which isn't always easy but it IS available to anybody. It all starts with awareness (Mindfulness) and then intention (Meditation). Let's go watch those evaporating clouds!
"If you let go a little, you will have little peace,
if you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace”
Ajahn Chah