Learning to Let Go

It's amazing how giving something away can actually give you so much in return; the act of giving can boost your spirits and allow you to spend more time and energy on important things in your life. Learning to let go of our worldly restrictions is a practice best associated with Buddhist non-attachment, the idea of a life without suffering in adapting to and embracing our ever-changing world.

Learning to let go is an easy concept, but a very difficult practice. To truly let go of something, we must no longer attach ourselves to its continued existence, merely accepting that we do not need it in order to survive. Unfortunately, our society breeds a life of hoarding and saving, something that is useful for daily activities but can be detrimental if used to acquire unnecessary attachments, feelings or belongings.

The act of "letting go" can be lightening and uplifting, and it may or may not involve physical belongings. Here are some things you can let go of in your everyday life:

• Let Go of Your Money. Money is one of the most difficult things to part with, especially if you struggle to make it in the first place. I do not advocate "giving it away" and not being able to pay your mortgage or save for future goals - this money should be viewed as if it was already spent, albeit in the future. Aside from your goals and dreams and financial obligations, what money do you have laying around? If it isn't necessary to create or maintain your ideal life, what do you need it for? Learn the value of sharing and contributing to another person's life - donate to a charity, buy a gift for a friend or support organizations like Kiva.org, which gives you the opportunity to provide a loan for entrepreneurs in a developing country.
  
  
• Let Go of Negativity. Many of us hold on to negative emotions (anger, sadness, jealousy, worry) longer than we need to. These emotions are caused by something in your life, usually disappointment from unmet expectations. Learn to forgive the people who have harmed you (even yourself) and learn to let the past die; every ounce of energy spent on wasted negative emotions is energy that could be better spent on making your life better. Whether you can do this alone, with a friend or with professional counseling, letting go of negativity will do wonders in lightening your daily load.
  
  
• Let Go of Clutter. Letting go of negativity lightens your emotional space; letting go of physical clutter can lighten the rest of your life. Think of the things you own that you don't need - be it clothing, kitchen gadgets, books you've never read, or gifts you've never used. Think of ways to better use these items; often it means selling or donating them, which will give you a little extra income and provide you with a clean, well-organized living space that is easier to maintain.
  
  
• Let Go of Yourself. Pride can cost us a lot; friendships that never fully develop, issues that are never fully resolved, and a life that is never fully lived because we are too focused on ourselves. Take this opportunity to forget about your worst inhibitions, the ones that stop you from doing what you love or what you feel your purpose in life actually is. If you are working in a bank but think you should be opening your own woodworking studio, follow your passion. If you are a construction worker and want to get your CGA, follow your passion. Think about letting go of that little voice in your head that tells you "well, you oughtn't..." or "what would they think?".

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