The Power of Letting Go

We attach to things, people, situations, circumstances, outcomes and expectations. We want things to be in a certain way. We prefer situations to meet our expectations.

But then, we often find some life events just don’t meet our preferences and taste. Some situations just don’t change. Then we find ourselves powerless, vulnerable and have no choice but accept what is going on.

Our attachments can be so hard and painful at times. Maybe it is because we love the person. Or we feel sorry. Or it is just emotionally painful and hard to accept.

Then I flip the coin to the other side. What if we gain strength from that moment in life? What if that situation was all meant to happen to push us beyond our comfort zones? What if that moment happened to encourage us to grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually?

I like this recite from the Holy Book of Quran when Allah points to the fact that the creation of skies and earth is bigger than the creation of human beings, the earth and the present moment is bigger and wider than what you currently attach to and focus on. These divine meanings inspire us to look beyond what is happening to us. Use the overall big perspective of the scenario. Yes you might be hurting and struggling. But what else to this? What is beyond this? Open up your mind to other possibilities too and don’t stick to one place, one part or one person.

When I personally do this reflective process, the intensity of the situation gets softer. The focus on the problem gets buffered somehow. The emotional pain, although it is still active, is processed and expressed gently and gradually.

I don’t say this is easy. But the power of letting go of the situation, the expectation, the person and the outcome can lift up some of the unnecessary tension and pain. It adds objectivity and realistic perception. It gives you a sense of contentment and inner acceptance. Its a mix of emotional suffering and looking up to the brighter side of the situation too.