People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar.
-- Thich Nhat Hanh
Most of our human problems and the difficulties on our spiritual path are due to clinging, from attachment. Not clinging to things as me or mine, not grabbing at onething and pushing away another is different from detachment. When we cling to a thought we become that thought. The road to freedom must be paved with letting go.
The spiritual depths can only be reached when we give up clinging. Letting go of feelings instead of clinging onto them brings us peace. Clinging and attachments result in suffering. Letting go is true freedom and the only way to connect to the divine within us. If there is no space for lights the love within us cannot flourish. If we do not love ourselves we cannot love another.
Here is a simple meditation for letting go:
1. Sit comfortable in a chair, with your feet flat on the floors, your hands lying in your lap not touching one another and your eyes closed.
2. Imaged you are holding onto a balloon. The string is attached to your wrist, you can feel in tugging. Inside of the balloon are all your worries, fears, thoughts and resentments.
3. Untie the balloon and let it go. Watch it as it floats further and further away. Finally the balloon and all of its contents are out of sight. You feel free and at peace.
Open your eyes! Breath in the fresh air around you and be grateful that in the moment you have let go!
