Jo Ellen Fletcher, M.A., LMFT
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Letting Go

7/5/2015

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Picture
Patience is needed in the process of letting go.
Sometimes it seems as though nothing is happening when we try.
This is hard, for human beings often look for quick results.


However, if we learn to pause,
we can let go. 

If we learn to observe the small openings along the way,
with practice,

we can let go and relax into any moment.

We can relax into a moment and notice stillness and compassion.

We can begin to trust there are moments of well being.

Yet we know how to let go.
We know how to do this.
We love to let go the world at night when we go to sleep. 
Letting go and having a good night's sleep is delicious. 
Letting go while we are awake is delicious too. 
Letting go of clinging to the changing conditions of life,
We free ourselves.

Letting go does not mean losing the knowledge we have gained from the past.
The knowledge of the past stays with us. 
To let go is simply to release
any images and emotions, grudges and fears, clingings
and disappointments that bind our spirit. 

Like emptying a cup, letting go leaves us free to receive,
to be refreshed, sensitive and awake. 

To practice letting go, let yourself sit comfortably and quietly
and bring an attention to your body and your breath. 
Relax for a few minutes.


Bring your attention into the awareness
of any story, situation, feelings, that it is time to let go of.
Name them gently, betrayal, sadness, anxiety
and allow them the space to be present.

Allow them to float without resistance. 
Feel the unhappiness that comes from holding on. 
Continue to breathe. 
Ask yourself, "Do I want to continue to hold onto this story?" 
The heart will know. 
Ask yourself if it is indeed wise to release this holding. 

Feel the benefit, the ease that will come from this letting go.

Now begin to say to yourself,
"Let go.  Let go."
gently
over and over again.
 
Soften the body and heart and
let any feelings that arise drain out of you
like water draining out of a cup. 

Let the images go, the beliefs,
the self righteousness, the unworthiness.
 
Let it all go. 

Feel the space that comes as you let go,
how the heart releases and the body opens.

Direct the mind to the vision the future brings
where this circumstance has been released. 
Sense the freedom, the innocence,
the case that this letting go can bring
.

  
Tell yourself again softly,
"Let go, breathe softly,"
and say kindly.
"I've let you go."

The images and feelings may come back to you many times,
however as you continue to practice,
they will eventually fade. 

Gradually the mind will trust the space of letting go.
Gradually the heart will be easy and you will be free.


The Wise Heart ~ Jack Kornfield


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    Author:
    Jo Ellen Fletcher, M.A.
    Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist


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