You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.” ~ C JoyBell C
As the blustery cold of winter begins to recede, many of us will turn our attention toward a cleaning and clearing of our physical spaces – de-cluttering our homes, cleaning-up our outdoor spaces and getting rid of or repurposing what we no longer need. These “spring cleaning” activities can leave us feeling lighter, freer, and more energized – ready to head into the change of seasons unencumbered. As much as it serves us to maintain our outer surroundings, intentionally clearing out the clutter accumulated in our inner landscapes can benefit us in equal, if not greater, measure. Our hearts and minds can become heavy with the remnants of past relationships, the ghosts of previous experiences, and the patterns of thought, feeling and movement that have outlived their usefulness. This heaviness can then show up in our bodies, in our mood and in our general way of being in the world.
Practices that intentionally release what feels stuck and out of our control can bring us incredible relief during times of transition – changes in employment, season, relationships, location and seasons of life, for example – and anytime we feel unable to move past or through even the most routine of life’s challenges. Consciously creating space within ourselves for letting go of internal clutter also helps us to turn our awareness toward what it is we are moving toward instead of what we are leaving behind. And when combined with intentional expressions of gratitude, releasing practices can be a great support in dealing with loss.
Where to start.
There are many ways to approach the practice of letting go. One of the most accessible ways is to use the breath as an anchor – with each inhale, imagine creating a little space within and around yourself, and with each exhale, visualize allowing anything that feels heavy within you to sink downward, as if it could ultimately ooze into the Earth through the bottoms of your feet. Water is another effective tool for letting go – take a few moments at the end of your shower to allow the water to run over you, visualize the water washing away your worries, concerns and burdens or imagine the water filling you with renewed energy and vitality, or soak in a warm tub to release tension (adding herbs, flowers or Epsom salts can be especially soothing), or visit running water and visualize tossing your internal clutter into the flow as you let it go. Using the purifying power of fire can also support your practice of letting go – smudging with white sage or palo santo is helpful or try the practice below to see how it feels for you.
What you will need.
Candle (or other source of fire) – a tea light, votive or pillar candle with a flame you can easily access.
Paper and pen – cutting or tearing the paper into index card-sized pieces or smaller seems to work best.
Fireproof container – glass, porcelain or metal works well; you can add sand or stones to the bottom if you’d like. This can be as ornate or ordinary as feels appropriate to you – a disposable pie tin with sand in the bottom or a special vessel dedicated to this sole purpose and anything in between will suffice.
Journal (optional) – Taking the time to reflect on the practice can help you to more fully integrate the effects.
The Practice.
After you have gathered your supplies, find a comfortable place where you can be quietly undisturbed for a time. Begin by closing your eyes and noticing your breath. As you slow and deepen the breath, allow yourself to begin to feel more settled and focused on yourself and the thoughts and feelings that flow naturally within you. When you feel ready, turn your awareness toward the idea of letting go of what you no longer need. Allow your mind to relax and give yourself permission to be present to what feels stuck, stiff, heavy or burdensome at the moment, eventually turning your awareness to the following phrase -“I am ready to let go of…” – and giving yourself a little space after the sentence to see what surfaces. Repeat this idea to yourself slowly and with a curious and compassionate heart and mind. At some point, you will begin to complete the sentence for yourself. Write what comes on the paper. If it comes in a flood, write as much as you would like on one piece of paper. If it comes at a trickle, write one word or phrase per piece. As you feel each piece of paper is complete – whether it is covered in words or contains only one – hold one corner over the open flame until it lights. Carefully set the paper into the fireproof container and watch as the flames consume it, holding appreciation in your heart for the role it played in your life to this moment. Turn your attention to another piece of paper and repeat until this practice feels complete. When it does, pause for a few slow deep breaths, bringing your hands to heart center in prayer position if it feels appropriate and bowing your head in gratitude. If you have a notebook or journal nearby, take a few moments to capture your thoughts and observations in words or drawings. You may find it supportive to return the ashes of your releasing practice to the earth when you are done, spreading them outside.
I find this practice to be very supportive anytime that I feel a sense of heaviness, overwhelm or confusion creeping into my thoughts, words and actions. It is not uncommon for some of the papers to be more easily consumed by the flames than others. I have come to view this as an opportunity to explore how fully committed to releasing the contents of that paper I am and whether there may be a truth that I have yet to fully express to myself hidden there. When approached with a compassionate curiosity and deep sense of self-inquiry, releasing rituals like this one can bring you to an even greater understanding of yourself and can help you to lean into what brings greater joy, sweetness and peace to your being and your life.
Ready to learn more? Sign-up for the Community Library for access to a rotating library of recorded meditation and yoga practices designed to support your desire to live soulfully. This library is always free and open to everyone!