The Art of Letting Go

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(c) 2019 Rev. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas

“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” ~ Ann Landers

 We are all born letting go.  With that first rush of water and the cutting of the umbilical cord, we are released into a world in which letting go becomes a fine art in which beauty reigns or a misery that haunts us.

Autumn is a time of great beauty as well as of letting go. If we sit outside for a minute or two here in New England, we can watch how gracefully the trees let go of their leaves. We can see the geese and other birds letting go of their summer homes to head south. We can hear the farm equipment bringing in the crops from fields and orchards that let go of their bounty.  Nature teaches us this art.

 Unfortunately, many of us have trouble letting go.  We cling to relationships that are toxic for fear of being alone. We cling to children afraid that they will be harmed or not "be" who we want them to be. We cling to ideas and ideals out of fear of the unknown. Letting go, as Ann Landers states takes strength...and a leap of faith.

Learning to let go, learning to release that which no longer serves us, no longer brings us joy, no longer helps us on our path through this life, takes courage, wisdom and grace. To say it is easy is a bold-faced lie. Letting go is difficult! Letting go hurts. Letting go is scary.  However, when we release our grasp on the past, we are finally able to soar into the future.

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