Are you letting go or are you giving up? Recently, a client identified some old emotional issues that kept sabotaging his opportunities for success. “I thought I let that go!” he told me in frustration.

What does “letting go” mean? When a project or an aspiration doesn’t play out the way we want, it’s normal to feel disappointment, as well as sadness, anger and even depression. Painful emotions can make us want to shut down. We might say we are letting something go, but what we really are doing is giving up. Are you cleaning out the closet or just shoving everything in and slamming the door shut? This is a very common survival reflex. By ignoring our feelings, like defeat, disappointment and loss, we deny their importance. But without experiencing the emotional truth around those feelings, we are simply giving up. And so the emotional challenge just keeps coming back, over and over, in a wide range of scenarios.

If we take time to truly “feel” our feelings and think about what we can learn from the situation or challenge, we can come to a place of surrender and truly let go. Letting go makes you feel free, lighter and ultimately peaceful, just like spring cleaning. Simply say: “I am opening up to the opportunity in this situation.” Then ask yourself: “Is there something I can do now to fix or improve the outcome? Is there something I could have done differently that may be helpful in the future?”

If we keep blaming something or someone else, we stay stuck. As we take responsibility for our feelings and our part in the situation, the healing begins. It is equally important to acknowledge factors beyond our control. We can then begin the surrender process and self-forgiveness. Knowing you gave it all you could and embracing the lessons that will help you to make better choices in future situations will help in letting go. If you cannot see the lesson immediately, give yourself time. Facing ourselves honestly and staying open to feelings when we are in pain takes great strength and bravery. It is in this challenging process that we acquire emotional/spiritual muscles. “It takes great learning to understand that all things, events, encounters and circumstances are helpful.” ~ A Course in Miracles

Here’s a simple Yoga Meditation for a peaceful mind, to help you process and “Let Go:”
Sit in a chair, or cross–legged on the floor, with a straight spine (Leaning against a wall can help). Relax your mind as you slow your breathing down. Look at the tip of the nose if you can, or simply close your eyes.

Man Suhaavee Mudra Kriya, the mudra which pleases the mind:

Create a triangle with your fingers, with the tips of the middle fingers together and the tips of the thumbs together with the pinkie and ring fingers curled into the palms. Bend the index fingers so that they touch each other at the middle joint. Stretch thumbs toward you, middle fingers point away. (This hand position is called a Mudra.) Now bend your elbows, bringing your hands level with your heart, about four inches from your chest, keeping your forearms parallel to the ground. As you inhale and gently hold your breath, mentally repeat twenty-one times: I am. Or say the word Peace. Or both together: I am Peace. Exhale and mentally repeat the same phrase eleven to twenty-one times. Within three minutes, your mind will become tranquil. To end, focus on your breathing pattern and, relax your hands. Allow your connection to your breath to deepen as you think about something you feel grateful for. Dwelling in that gratitude, begin to feel compassion in your heart and embrace yourself, your feelings and the individuals around the situation bothering you, without getting into “the story.” Just feel compassion. Allow your emotional waters to gently wash over you just like spring showers and take responsibility for your feelings.

You can start practicing for one minute and gradually build up to three minutes. Remember that only limiting thoughts can limit your life. Feel the joy as you truly begin to let go! Remember that it’s always a good time for spring cleaning and do take time to breathe.

Special opportunity to assist you in becoming more connected to the Joy of YOU: Transformative Sound Healing Meditation April 4 and 18 at 6 pm. Call or email for more info, and to reserve your space.

© Louise Lavergne 2001-2011 www.joyfull-yoga.com; 899-0707. Louise is a JoyFull living coach, Motivational speaker & owns JoyFull Yoga LLC in Jacksonville. She offers group & private sessions here and across North America. She has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for over 25 years.