How to ‘let go’

When we think of ‘letting go’, it often brings to mind painful experiences or memories that we hold on to. We naturally cling to joy and togetherness, but it is the painful moments in life we wish to release. However, it is much deeper than that.

PAIN AS A MESSENGER

Pain is often a messenger with a lesson to teach. Whether it arises from relationships, failures, criticism, or personal setbacks, pain usually guides us towards growth and development. Often, we focus on the reason or source of the pain — perhaps a person, a situation, or a mistake you have made. However, the true lesson lies within us, not outside. Pain is like a letter from our higher self, nudging us to address something unresolved within. Rather than trying to “fix” what is outside, consider: is there something within that needs attention?

LETTING GO IS A NATURAL PROCESS

The mind’s natural tendency is to let go. Like a river that flows, the mind doesn’t hold on to things unless we choose to store them. Blaming others, suppressing emotions, denying pain, or distracting yourself may temporarily relieve you, but it eventually resurfaces. Rather than running from it, try to sit with the discomfort. Explore the root of it and see what it is urging you to understand about yourself.

Look through it. What is causing this pain? What is it asking of me, what had I expected, etc? This process is painful, but just as you would use a needle to remove a thorn, understanding and embracing your pain allows true healing. This process makes letting go effortless.

EXPERIENCE, TO RELEASE

Allow yourself to feel the emotions fully — speak about them, write them down, or simply sit with them. The needle has to go a little deeper than the thorn, and the end result is freedom.

To let go, you must release the idea of holding on to even good moments. Life is about experiencing everything fully, and then letting it pass. People often say, “Hold on to the good and let go of the bad,” but life’s deeper lesson is to hold on to nothing. Each moment, whether joyful or painful, is meant to be experienced and then released. Reliving memories is an addiction. Learn to live each moment as it comes in its entirety.

Letting go doesn’t mean losing or being cold. Instead, it brings you closer to your own warmth. The harsh truth is that the only constant in life is you. Everything else is temporary and will eventually fade. Losing yourself for any temporary asset is immaturity. Strength is in understanding that you alone complete yourself. Nothing less will work. Develop that compatibility and comfort to be whole you again.

Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Centre, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Get in touch via email: bkmeditation.jam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 876-853-7848. Follow them on Instagram: rajyoga_meditation_jamaica.