The Power of Letting Go

The Power of Letting Go

February 12, 2021

By: Terry Shaw

“Change only happens in the present moment. The past is already done. The future is just energy and intention.” —Kino MacGregor

Well yes, ok, I will admit it. I am a worrier and I am also one who can hold a grudge until hell freezes over. As hell hasn’t frozen over; yes, some of those grudges still rear their ugly head. 

The worrier in me is looking toward the future and thinking of all the things that may happen and there’s been a lot happening in the past year! The doubts, anxieties and what ifs?? For us control freaks, worry is a normal state of mind that’s really not so normal. Worrying constantly or holding a grudge (being angry) will sap you emotionally and eventually take a toll on your physical and emotional health. It leaves you feeling tense, sick and unhappy. It’s said that the future is really about energy and intention;  what kind of future are you setting yourself up for if you're continually worrying, which is usually negative; you are setting yourself up for an unhappy future. It’s said what you dwell on becomes reality - well that’s pretty scary! When I realized how true that was - I started projecting more positive outcomes using intention, meditation, journaling and even vision boards. 

The same as worrying, holding a grudge or staying angry at someone for a prolonged period is just projecting negativity into your future. Your past will haunt your future. Do you ever notice that the same issues and problems crop up in your life? What’s that saying?   “Life is so short. The only person you hurt when you stay angry or hold grudges is you. Forgive everyone, including yourself.” – Tom Giaquinto

Staying in the present moment is definitely easier said than done but it can be accomplished with a little work. It’s funny how our body can physically be in one place yet our minds can be all over the place. How do we bring our minds in tune with our bodies? Becoming mindful of what you're thinking, use your five senses, what do you see (I mean in detail), what do you smell, feel, if you’re eating, taste, and hear? Write down your worries and let them go. If it’s anger or a grudge write it down and maybe burn the paper and release those negative feelings. Go outside in nature and really take it in, or volunteer your time. Put a reminder on your phone to take a few moments to just close your eyes and breathe. Also, doing something good for someone else always makes us feel good! It will take some work but I do believe that in the end you will be happier, healthier and more joyful.  

Being present and not being sucked into the past or future has always been a challenge for me but trying to be aware of what I’m thinking before my mind takes me down that rabbit hole and putting to use some of the things I’ve listed has made me happier and more satisfied and most definitely at peace with the past, present and even what’s happening right in this very moment...most of the time;-) 

I wish you all, love light laughter, health and happiness - Namaste,

Terry