For when we want to “let go” but can’t.
Mindfulness Talk:
For some life moments, the practice of “letting go” is so freeing and exactly what I need to hear. But there are other times, especially with bigger or longer hurts, when I just can’t. And then letting go feels like yet another thing I’m failing at. Sigh.
The yoga practice of Aparigraha is sometimes translated as “letting go”, but thankfully this isn’t the only translation. Aparigraha is also “ungripping” or “unattaching”. If you are feeling something big like a major life moment, a longstanding hurt, a back-of-the-mind fear… try out this meditation. Its goal is not to let it go, but to simply loosen its grip.
When you are done, smile. Because there is now space around it. Space that you created for it. Aparigraha.
Until next time,
Laura
Meditation:
Finding Present Meditation: Sit comfortably and begin to breathe. Don’t try to let go. Don’t try to relax. Just focus on your inhales and exhales. Notice how the breath feels coming in and out the nose. Notice the inside of the nose, and how it feels from these long, slow breaths. Don’t worry if your chest or belly won’t relax. Just focus on your breath.
Continue doing this meditation, or begin the mindfulness meditation.
Mindfulness Meditation: Close your eyes and start to scan your body as carefully as you did your breath. Find where you are feeling a stuck emotion. Maybe it’s in your chest or your belly.
Once you find a stuck area, begin to imagine it. What does this stuck emotion look like? Is it liquid, like hot lava? Is it a tight ball or knot? Is it more like a back-burner, slow and pulsing?
Now imagine your inhaled breath coming up the right side of it of that stuck emotion. Exhale, let the breath slide back down. Inhale again, this time let your breath come up the right side of it and then tip over the top just a bit. Exhale, breath slides back down.
Imagine your inhaled breath coming up the left side of that stuck emotion, soft and gentle. Exhale. Inhale, this time tipping over the top of it. Exhale.
Now imagine your inhaled breath sliding underneath, loosening it from its grip just a bit. Exhale. Breathe and observe for as long as you want. With each breath, that stuck emotion moves around, it shifts. It’s still there, but it’s not attached anymore. It is finding some space.
Closing Routine: When you are ready, rub your fingers and take three cleansing breaths. Or use a closing routine that works for you.
