One thing we can always count on in our lives is change. It’s not an easy process but a necessary one to evolve and progress. Accepting change will always be a challenge because a big part of it is letting go; the sooner we realize and accept this, the more peaceful the transition.

Letting go is a skill that can be difficult to master, but it is also one of the most valuable tools we have for personal growth. It can help us move past difficult situations and make space for new opportunities. However, learning to let go can be a challenge, especially when we’re attached to something or someone who has been a part of our lives for a long time. 

The Process of Letting Go…

This can be one of the most challenging yet transformative experiences in life. Whether it’s a relationship, a job, or a belief system, it is hard to release something that has been a part of your life for a long time. It’s not something that can happen overnight, but rather a process that takes time, healing and making peace with what you are letting go of. Practising the art of letting go can lead to calm, freedom, learning and therefore personal growth.

Why is it important to let go of things?

I remember my grandmother teaching me about letting go in the most beautiful way possible. Growing up, my grandmother had a beautiful garden in her backyard. She would spend hours tending to the flowers, caring for and watering the plants. I loved spending time in her garden, watching the plants grow and change over time. As a kid, it used to hurt me a lot when the pot broke, when we had to prune the plants, and it may seem funny to some, but I used to experience significant emotional distress when my granny used to give our plants to neighbours. 

One day, my grandmother took me into her garden and showed me a plant that had outgrown its pot. The plants were struggling to grow with its roots tangled and tightly wound. My grandmother explained that in order for the plant to thrive, she needed to re-pot it in a larger pot. But to do that, she had to let go of the old pot and untangle the roots. She had to let go to make space for new growth.

This experience taught me an important lesson. Just like my grandmother’s plant, we need to let go of things that are holding us back to grow, we can thrive.

“Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.”

Quote By Hermann Hesse

8 Mindful Practices to Help with the Art of Letting Go

1. Practice Self-Reflection

The first step to letting go is to take a step back and reflect on the situation. What are you holding on to, why? Does it serve you, or is it holding you back? Taking time to reflect on these questions can help you gain perspective and understand why letting go is important.

2. Embrace Your Emotions. Embrace Change

Letting go is an emotional process. It’s important to acknowledge and embrace the myriad emotions you feel. Instead of trying to suppress them, allow yourself to feel them fully, more like a passive observer. This can be uncomfortable at first, but it’s an important part of the healing process. Meditation is a great way to help you process your emotions.

3. Create a Positive Mantra

Oftentimes holding on can be because you are in a comfort zone and hesitate to get out of it. When you’re struggling to let go, it can be helpful to create a positive mantra to repeat to yourself. These reaffirmations could be something as simple as “Yes, I can!” or more customized like “I will have a positive experience by releasing _____.” By repeating a positive mantra, you can create a positive mindset that will help you move forward.

4. Seek Support

One perceives letting as a lonely process, but it doesn’t have to be. Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist can help you navigate the difficult emotions that can arise when you’re letting go. Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can be a powerful way to gain perspective and find the strength to move forward. 

5. Accept What You Can’t Control – A Strategy to Move Forward

One of the main reasons we hold onto things is because we want to control the outcome. We may be afraid of what will happen if we do let go; we may believe that by holding on tight enough, we can make things turn out the way we want. However, the truth is that there are many things in life that are beyond our control. Learning to accept this fact can help us let go of the need to control everything and allow things to unfold naturally.

6. Mindfulness: A Powerful Positive Psychology Method

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for letting go because it helps us stay present in the moment and release the thoughts and emotions that are holding us back. When we’re mindful, we will be able to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you release negative emotions and move forward with greater clarity and peace of mind.

7. Write Out Your Goals

Journaling is a great way to explore your thoughts and feelings and process your emotions. Writing about what you want to let go of can help you gain clarity about why you’re holding onto it and what you need to do to release it. You may also find it helpful to write down the benefits of letting go, such as greater peace of mind or new opportunities.

8. Create a Ritual Like Self Care Practices

Creating a ritual around letting go can be a powerful way to mark the transition and create closure. This could involve visualizing yourself in a state of peace and freedom, no longer weighed down by what you have let go of, and creating a physical or imaginary representation of what you’re releasing. The act of letting go can be cathartic, and a ritual can help you create a sense of closure and move forward. While a lot of people consider crying as a release which gives psychological relief, by openly expressing grief. But there are several activities and hobbies that you can look to. Regular exercising, meditation, talking to a friend, journaling, creating or practising art, listening to music, and my favourite, gardening, helps achieve emotional catharsis which helps us better process and manage our emotions. 

“To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be. When we let ourselves be with compassion, things come and go on their own.”

Quote By Jack Kornfield

What Does ‘Embrace the Moment’ Mean?

Embracing the moment is like hitting the pause button on life’s rush and just soaking in the goodness around you. It’s about living right here, right now, without dragging along the baggage of the past or worrying about what’s next.

Picture it as giving yourself permission to enjoy the small stuff and connect with the people in your life. Whether it’s a laugh with a friend, the warmth of the sun on your face, or a quiet moment of peace, these are the building blocks of a happy life.

So, when we talk about embracing the moment, it’s just about being present, finding joy in the little things, and appreciating the unique story each day tells. It’s like creating a mental photo album filled with snapshots of the good times, making our journey a bit brighter and more fulfilling.

I Owe Myself the Kindness I Deserve

Letting go is rarely easy, but it’s an essential part of healing and personal growth. By incorporating a few simple habits in your life, you can learn to release what no longer serves you and move forward with greater peace and clarity. Just remember to always show yourself kindness and love yourself, just how you want to be loved. 

By practising self-reflection and embracing our emotions, we can achieve an optimistic outlook in life. We can unlock a new perspective with hope and find the courage to face anything that fate might throw our way. When one knows how to control their own emotions, there is nothing that can hold one back. 

In Conclusion

Remember, letting go is not about giving up or losing something, but about creating space for new growth and possibilities. Everyone should learn the art of letting go to make way for change that will result in a positive, more holistic outcome and make space for new growth. 

So, like my grandmother’s plants, don’t be afraid to let go. Live. Grow. Thrive.