Healthy Mind

Letting Go

Letting Go is the practice of releasing your burdens in order to begin anew. There is so much weight and heaviness we carry with us on a daily basis — the weight of past relationships, betrayals, and pain inflicted by others. It’s easy to get swept away by our thoughts, especially in the face of strong emotions. We get stuck ruminating and dwelling about the past, filled with guilt or regret.  In order to practice mindfulness, it is therefore important that we learn to let go.

Letting Go Practice

Think about what you want to write

Sit back in your chair. Get into a comfortable position. Close your eyes if you would like.

Some dreams are good, even great. They keep us hopeful, aspiring, vision-oriented. Others become stale and heavy. They keep us stuck – stuck in the past, stuck in bad relationships, stuck in situations that cause us to be disrespected or inhibit us from fully stepping into our worth.As a result, sometimes a wake needs to be held. A vigil where we mourn the dreams and fantasies that are no more. Where we can write letters to help us release past relationships, ideals, and beliefs that no longer serve us. So now I ask you, what letter do you need to write?

Think of a situation, a person, a belief, anything that we are ready to let go of.

You won’t actually send the letter, but what needs to come out?

Who or what do you need to write it to?

Do you need to write one to yourself?

Is there a story that hasn’t been told?

A feeling that has yet to be expressed or words that have yet to be heard?

Perhaps there is forgiveness that needs to be given.

Now take some time to think about what you would write in this letter

Now, grab your pen and paper. What would you like to write in your letter? You may begin to write the letter. Don’t filter yourself or judge yourself for whatever it is you’re feeling. Your feelings are your own and you’re entitled to them. Maybe it’s not a letter you need to write out but a dream or illusion that needs to die. A fantasy of what life should have looked like, a vision of what that relationship should have been. Whatever it might be, allow yourself to feel it for the next 5 minutes.

Now, we are going to take our letters and crumble it up or tear it up. Let it go and make room for new possibilities. Some dreams are heavy and need to be mourned. Others are a bittersweet release.

If you enjoyed this practice, you may also like: https://lifestylemedical.com/week-5-mindfulness-music/

By Dipika Pandit, MD, MPH Dr. Dipika Pandit believes in building a healthy lifestyle that empowers you to heal, not just getting you on the next pill. Dr. Dipika completed her medical training at Loma Linda University – including medical school, and a combined residency in Family Medicine & Preventive Medicine. She believes that health is more than just the physical body, and encompasses the relationships we surround ourselves with, as well as our own spiritual, mental, and emotional nurturing. Dr. Dipika is passionate about empowering people and community – to take control of their health through lifestyle changes, and to increase their quality of life.