Letting Go.
By Pose123
@Pose123 (21635)
Canada
July 8, 2009 8:27pm CST
When we become overwhelmed and things are not going as planned, it is natural to try to force things to go our way. In the process, we tie ourselves in knots, tensing our shoulders, jaws, and muscles throughout our bodies. Our mind tells us that this is how to get a firmer grip on a situation that feels out of control, but as we create knots in our bodies we are blocking the flow of our energy, exhausting ourselves by exerting more effort yet accomplishing less. At such times most of us know that it is best to relax and let go.
This may not be quite as easy as it sounds because most of us just allow questions about how to get everything done to start again and the knots will be back before we know it. First, we need to let go of our idea of what the perfect outcome should be, and realize that the intelligence that drives the universe knows better than we do about how everything fits together for the highest good of all concerned. Then we might have to release our imagined consequences and realize that, in most cases, the worst that could happen really isn't that bad. We may need to remember how to relax, first by taking deep breaths, then by meditating, and then perhaps seeking help to clear the underlying knots.
Recently I found myself in such a situation and although I had been there before, realized how quickly we forget the importance of letting go. What has been your experience and how do you deal with such things?
2 people like this
8 responses
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
9 Jul 09
Good morning Pose, it is easy to get caught in a stressful trap and it can have a really negative effect on our muscles which as you say ends up exhausting one. I wouldn't be very good at the meditation route, not enough patience, but I have learnt an exercise technique which releases the pressure in our necks, shoulders and jaws and it only takes a couple of minutes and can be done anywhere. Stand upright, chest out, stomach in, jaw straight, arms by your side. Pull your shoulders down as far as you can, and your arms, you will feel the pull. At the same time raise your head, not by looking up but as if your head is being pulled straight up with an invisible cord suspended above you. Repeat this ten times as often as you like through the day to alleviate the tension, it really works. Try to smile whilst you do it, that's supposed to give positive energy.
Let me know if this tip works for any mylotters out there.
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
9 Jul 09
Hi thea09, Thank you for that excellent response. I always like it when someone is able to add to my discussion. I will definitely be trying your suggestion and I also hope that others will find it useful as well. Meditation is not as difficult as you might think, especially if you start slowly. There are some good ideas about how to get started on the net, I hope you will give it a try someday. Blessings.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
9 Jul 09
We do not control the world, not even our own life, all life is in the hands of a higher power the more we try to control the worse things get. For some reason humans have evolved this terrible need to control, I would guess that at some time it was necessary for our species to survive now it could very well mark the end of us. For all that we create we are much more destroyers and nature will balance it's self at the cost of anything as small as humanity. For each of us all that we can do is let go and enjoy the ride knowing that no matter what life is forever no matter the form.
1 person likes this
@Anora_Eldorath (6028)
• United States
9 Jul 09
Pose-
I think you are so right. It is definately a product of the ego "attachment", and though there is a benefit in being close to people when we have their friendship, when they are alive, or so forth it is not healthy to continue to cling them when those friendships are over or those people are long gone.
And the stress on the body from doing such can create more problems then allowing one to move forward in their life. I know that for myself I hold such stress in my stomach and back. My shoulders stay tense to the point of pulling upward, and my stomach doesn't digest my food very well.
So, I have turned to journaling and meditation to relieve this stress, and allow myself to move forward on letting go when it is time to let go of something-regardless of what that "something" or "someone" is.
Namaste-Anora
1 person likes this
@macdingolinger (10386)
• United States
9 Jul 09
you know I am in a situation where I can't see the option of just "letting go" I am caring for my son who was injured in an automobile accident 8 months ago. He has a major head injury and so recovery is slow. I cannot just "let go"... because I am living in it every second of every day. However, I have been trying to learn so was to release the daily tension. One way is I started to run each morning. We are living in a nursing facility so he is still cared for while I get out for very short periods of time. Running helps my muscles relax and my mind can get free from all the tension too!
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
9 Jul 09
Hi macdingolinger, Thank you for responding and I understand you saying that you don't have the option of letting go. You have made a start however in your running every morning. Look too for other ways of relaxing both your muscles and your mind. While I know nothing about your sons injury but what you say here, I feel certain that you are doing everything that you can to help him recover. Remember we do not always understand why things happen as they do, so we can only accept the fact that we are doing our best. Watching your son every day has to be difficult for you and only those who have experienced it can understand. Blessings.
@eaforeman6 (8979)
• United States
9 Jul 09
I hand it over to God. If you have done your best, then let it rest in his hands. We do not control everything, he does. Positive actions and prayers are better then the worry. God always opens a door, shows a path, or sends his wisdom....amen. @midgefaria (273)
• India
9 Jul 09
Letting Go ... is very easy to say but very difficult to perform. I need some kind of perfection in whatever im involved with if things dont go according to my thinking then it becomes difficult for me to accept it. For me 'letting go..' becomes a daily situation where i try to understand the other person can't do what im expecting from him/her. To release my tensed muscles i lishen to music, go for a long walk or call up some friend or relative and speak on any other topic. It helps a lot.
@midgefaria (273)
• India
10 Jul 09
It would only make me happy if somebody reading the comment uses it to make their life a little smoother and peaceful.. "So people do remember there is lot more to life then keeping those small things that dont work according to our thoughts, and enjoy every moment as it never comes back".
