When We Need To Let Go, Not Give Up

Many of us equate letting go with giving up. In my personal experience and in those of my clients, I have discovered that there are very different energies generated by each of these actions.

I find the energy of giving up more negative and passive. It’s as if I’m saying, “I’m beaten, I’m at the end, I don’t care anymore,” and I am abandoning myself, the situation or the other person to

whatever “fate” or the “powers that be” have in store for us. While that can sometimes bring a sense of relief, it also carries feelings of resignation and failure. These are normal, human feelings but they are also tied to the Ego; the “I” which is our perceived separation from the All,  and that often creates a whole new set of issues.

The energy of letting go is much more positive. I call it “empowered surrender”, and when I practice it I feel lighter; as if I’ve opened myself, the situation and/or the other person to new possibilities. I feel as though I have acknowledged to Spirit, the Higher Power, or God that I’m not the be-all and end-all. I feel reconnected to the Universe and by affirming my place in it and its presence in me, all is peaceful and all is possible.

The following is a Clearing Exercise. It’s a great way to clear your own energy and let go of whatever you are holding onto that’s holding you back, whether that’s a stalemate with another person or a stagnant situation.

Write to the person or situation. “Dear _____”. If you feel funny writing to “Dear Job”, acknowledge that and move past it. You will NOT send what you write. Ideally, use a pen and paper rather than a document program or e-mail. Especially not e-mail! You might hit “send” inadvertently!

Say absolutely everything and anything you want to about your feelings and experiences. Say everything - even things you would never say to someone’s face or share with your closest confidante. All of it: good, bad, joy, anger, hurt, whatever you are feeling. Sometimes even the positive feelings and experiences keep us attached to something or someone. So, write all of it. Let it roll.

When you are done, re-read it but DON'T edit anything, not even spelling or grammar errors. If there is anything else that comes up, add it to the end, with an additional sheet(s) of paper if necessary.

The very last thing you will write is: “I release you (name) and myself from any and all assumptions, expectations, beliefs or obligations that do not serve the Highest Good of all concerned”.  

Sign your name to it and date it. Take it outside. If you’re able to, go out barefoot so you can feel the ground under your feet. Safely burn it completely (put it on an unlit charcoal grill, use an old flowerpot, etc.) In bad weather or cold climates, you can either burn it indoors in a large pot or skillet on the stove, or take it outdoors but don’t go barefoot.

This exercise releases you and liberates you from the burden of your emotions and thoughts, both negative and positive, about the person or situation. In releasing and liberating yourself, you are clearing your energy to allow for a fresh start all the way around and that will be reflected in your environment, and the people in it.  


Love and peace,
Dona

Destiny Tarot® Copyright 2007 by Dona C. Murphy. All rights reserved.