Letting go - a reflection practice

© Jenn Shallvey

Shared from the recent newsletter - a reflection practice.

Words can be powerful. Meaning is assumed. Communication layered. Such is the language of letting go. We hear these words often – either instructions at the start of a meditation for those who do, in an attempt to supportively guide you through troubled times, when there are no answers just an intent and command.  Powerful words.
 
I see the words as an invitation to a process that you repeat without counting. To let go is like breathing. It becomes a way not just a well meaning technique. It is in this context that the following reflection practice is offered to you. There are no rules or ways to follow, simply some suggestions.
 
This practice is general in nature. It can be applied to anything and everything. It can be used without knowing what it is you want to let go. It can be used when you are being specific and it is time.  There are many ways but this is the one to offer.
 
Why let go? Why bother? Well let me suggest that be the first part of your reflection. Of course I can fill in the blanks but this is for you right now. Why does it matter to YOU? Your motivation and reason for letting go is the drive behind doing the practice. Tune into this first.
 
 

Practice

Stop what you are doing. Find a quiet moment and place to be just with you. Create the mental, emotional and physical space to give your self permission to do this practice. Whether you sit in a chair, lie down on the ground, stand still in a spot it does not matter. 
 
Close your eyes. 
 
Breathe.
Breathe in and out in a way that feels rhythmic and relaxing for you. There are many suggestions on how to do this. If you prefer a way then try long inhales and exhales to the count of four. Feel your stomach rise and fall with the breath. You may even wish to place your hands in the middle of your body to feel the movement.  Breathe this way consciously and without focus on any other thought. Do so until you feel you are in a calm space. Then continue to breathe in a way that feels most supportive for you.
 
You are now breathing in a relaxed and calming manner that feels right for you.
 
Enclose. 
Enclose yourself in a bubble of imaginary light in a colour of your choice. You need not attach any meaning to this bubble just have an intent that it is supportive of you. Simply hold the vision, image, feeling or thought that you are surrounded in a protective bubble of light. It is as if you are creating your own personal cocoon. Let your self feel into this space and see yourself held safely and calmly.  
 
You are held in a supportive and protective way.
 
Connect. 
Connect to your heart as the centre of you. Yes you might perceive your mind as this place. It is there and important. For the practice though align yourself from your heart centre. Breathe in and out of this place as a way to connect within. No interpretation or thinking about meaning in this step. You may be tempted. Again the focus is to keep this simple and direct.
 
You are inner focused on the core of your being.
 
Ask.  
What is it that I am ready to let go of right now that will be in my highest good and the highest good of others. Notice immediately what comes up. Resist the temptation to think or analyse this awareness. Instead objectively notice and observe with a bit of curiousity – like ‘oh that is interesting’ or ‘hmmm.’
 
You hold in your conscious awareness something that you can work with to let go if you so choose.
 
Decide. 
As you hold your awareness about this letting go of 'something', decide if you are ready to let go or not.  Imagine me asking you the question… ‘Are you ready to let this go now?’. Yes or no. Anything that feels or sounds like a but or maybe means no, for now.
 
…No, not ready to let go.
There is something within you that is getting in the way. This could be habit, fear, another layer needed to be cleared first, timing, resistance, place you chose to be in for this practice. There are many reasons why you may not be ready consciously to go to the letting go step. This is all good. There is no right or wrong. Put the thought aside for now and plan to revisit again in a different place, time and state. No judgement. Smile to yourself and say thank you. Consider later doing some separate reflection on why to reach understanding.
 
…Yes, ready to let go.
Congratulations! This is most of the practice. You made it through the biggest hurdle – choosing to let go. This step in and of itself is a powerful shifter of energy.  The weight of this decision will be commensurate with the energy behind what you are letting go.  If you have been carrying something for a long time you will feel a lightness in response.
 
You are clear about whether you are ready to let go or not.
 
Sense. 
Connect to that which you want to let go of as something separate from you that you can hold.  Breathe. Know you are safe in your bubble. Feel the love in your heart. As you hold this something send it love and thanks and sense how best to let it go. You can even pretend to have a dialogue of sorts. No need to overcomplicate things. A few insights, steps or even just one action will suffice.
 
You have a way to let go.
 
Let go.  
Follow what you sense. Complete whatever you can within this quiet, calm and meditative place. Then if you have sensed anything else to do later plan to take these steps.

Let go.
 
Adapt this practice to suit your approach to meditation / contemplation / reflection. The idea is show you that when you are genuinely ready, you listen to you and then act from this place of awareness you can choose to let go in a way that is right for you.  

Continue to use this practice as and when it feels right for you. The more you hone the essence of how it works for you the more it will be useful, easy and a go to tool in your personal self development.  

Wishing you well in your letting go.