Let It Go-
One of my primary spiritual teachers tells me that 90% of the spiritual life is in letting go. While many of us (well me) thought it was about acquiring something are both relieved and a little disappointed to learn this truth. What about all those classes I invested in…what about the books I read and the many techniques I have attempted. What about the practices I have attempted to perfect from meditation to prayer to study? Really…90% of the whole meal deal is in letting go.
Well ok – letting go of what…EVERYTHING. Starting with letting go of the past – after all it doesn’t exist. Then if that is done (that is a ton of it) then letting go of planning for the future would be next. Doing the what ifs and the wherefores….The future does not yet exist and the past is gone..ok I give up what is left.
Hard as it is to conceive- all we have is the moment…in this moment I am typing away. I am not sure what the next moment will be…so far still typing.
Even in the moment there is something to let go of…a frustrating conversation with a credit card company- a disappointing talk with a friend where I was hoping for something to occur that did not occur. A favorite restaurant gave many patrons covid recently ( I was one) – letting go of the grudge factor which I have not yet done.
Why is this so important to spiritual growth…well for me – when I let go I feel a sense of peace. I notice that my breathing gains ease and there is a sense of serenity that follows. I am present- and so many beautiful things unfold. I pet my dog and notice her beautiful coat and deep brown eyes. When I am making soup – I notice the colors of the carrots and the heavenly smell of the chicken soup that cures everything. The smile on a friend’s face …even on zoom and the bright light in their eyes that sparkles with love.
Essentially this being present – this letting go – brings me to a place beyond my contaminated thinking and into a spaciousness and feelings of peace and even joy.
It’s really easy…you just drop all your thinking like the hot potato game we played as kids-simply drop it. Yes obsessive thoughts will chase the mind around…just smile and let them do that …while letting go of any attention you might give to that content.
When I do that, I can return to the things in paragraph 1 – classes, books etc and just enjoy…no destination…just the love of the moment free of cumbersome, old tired experiences. And like the song – a whole new me shows up..and a whole new you can show up too…and as the weather begins its trip to winter…well…cold never bothered me anyway.
Special thanks to Carlton for the idea about Disney songs…to lighten the heart and help to let go!
