Letting Go

Photo by Mathias Wichmann

To experience life in a body that is lived to its fullest potential, letting go of tension is a must. Tension usually exists somewhere inside of us and it hinders our direct experience with ourselves and the world around us. Tension is blockage in body, mind and soul that prevents our energy from flowing freely and harmoniously within us and from us.

Sometimes tension is temporary, coming and going intermittently. Sometimes tension is a thick and begrudging constant that nags at us to resolve it, to which we often respond by numbing it out and shoving it away from our awareness. There are many reasons why we might hold tension. We can only begin to understand why our areas of tension exist when we stop to feel them and start to look at why they are there. A very common reason is the need to protect oneself as many things in life are threatening.

Letting go is the releasing of tension and all of the energy and stories associated with that tension. Letting go is necessary if we want to move forwards with a lighter body, productive mind and happier soul. Letting go allows us to find clarity and greater perspective.

When we feel into our body with awareness, become fully present to its rhythms and flow or lack thereof, letting go becomes possible. Letting go of our tension is no easy thing. It usually has a very strong emotional charge to it, however, if we don’t let it go, we remain blocked and living life only partially.

Being weighed down by the mind with thoughts and feelings overloading our waking moments compounds tension and limits our capacity to let go. If we can have the courage to quieten the mind, be still, look and feel deeper inside, we can reach into our tension, be present with it, understand it, resolve it and release it. We can then grow in light, liberty and wisdom. There is great power to be earned in learning to let go.