Those crossroads moments. Do we keep moving in the same direction? Or veer off into unchartered territory? Maybe we are at the end of our travels with someone/a job/an unrealistic goal. Staying the course may seem easier now but we know what to expect and it ain’t so pretty – but it’s the devil we know. We have invested time into this thing/this person. The road less travelled may bring adventure, a better life, joy, true love, or it could be terrible, we may be alone, it may be dark, it may be dangerous. How do you truly know when it’s time to let go?
Sometimes it’s plain easy to know; sometimes it isn’t. Ending relationships is one of the hardest things to do. Something doesn’t feel right, you are always moody. But you figure you’ve always been moody. You wonder about that other road a lot. You try not to. You really do love this other person. You’ve been through a lot; they are pretty much your best friend. Yet something is missing. You don’t quite click fully. You feel alone with your thoughts a lot. Communication could be better. People change.
Ending jobs/careers is hard too. I mean you have them to earn a living. What would you do without that regular sources or income or benefits? You have bills! Plus, you may hate it, but you’re good at it and the pay is reasonable. Seeking new opportunities after a certain point seems insurmountable. You can’t go back to an entry level position when you have a mortgage or car payments. Right?
You may have these thoughts for days, weeks, or even years. However you were never ready to let go. But one day you are. You are so ready. In the case of a relationship this is difficult. You have to tell the other person. They will be hurt; you will hurt at the things they may say to you. Or don’t say. You may need to move. This seems enormous. Where? How? There will be many overwhelming decisions to make and tasks to complete. Along the way you may wonder if what you are doing is what you really want? Somehow you need to remain grounded. Read, talk to trusted friends, eat properly, give yourself a break, and love.
Using Meditation to let go.
Meditation has been used for centuries as a means for clearing the mind – letting go of thoughts.
Sit quietly for 5 minutes and let go of the thoughts. Observing the thoughts as they come and go but don’t get involved with them. This takes practice. For some people this may be frustrating. Focus on your breath. Breath deeply and slowly. Some like to repeat a mantra as something to focus on:
For example:
Everything will be OK
or
Where I am right now is exactly where I need to be
Some like to listen to a guided meditation. There are many available online.
Letting go is never easy but a rite of passage in life. We need to let go of that which does not serve us any longer to make room for that which will serve us and serve us well.
microyogi 