The Power Of Releasing

I so much want change in my life. Why won’t it come? I feel I am ready. But things stay the same.

The Rhythm Of Change

The rhythm of change relies on movement similar to the ocean tides – in and out and in and out – again and again. We can learn to flow with the rhythm of change. This flow asks for our attention, courage and strength. If we disrupt the flow, our lives become stuck in resistance, fear and negative emotions.

Change does not come naturally for many of us. Our societies are set up to protect us from change and keep us “safe”. But why is this so? Change brings meaning and adventure to life. Why be a stagnant pond when we can be a powerful, flowing river?

Once we accept the rhythm of change into our lives, life alters. We are present to the nature of our existence and flow with it. Resistance and fear begin to fade. We develop coping skills that allow us to weather the changes that come. It is a natural rhythm and our body, minds and spirits know innately what to do.

The Power Of Release

Many indigenous cultures honor the power of release. They see examples around them daily, as they stay close to the land and nature. They honor change as sacred. They know the transitory and impermanent nature of life. They have ceremonies to nurture the release of the old and welcoming of the new. Their wisdom incorporates the power of release.

With release comes freedom. When an emotion or situation has hold of us, we are no longer free. As we let go of things that no longer serve us, we regain our freedom. There is room for new things to come into our lives, where no room existed before. Release honors the rhythm of change and keeps things moving.

Often, we hear reference to the “baggage” we carry around with us. This baggage may be old hurts, disappointments, experiences, attitudes or beliefs that no longer make sense in the present moment. They weigh us down as we carry them with us. When we release our baggage, we are ready for positive change.

How To Release

There are various ways to incorporate the power of release in our lives. First,   accept that change is a constant. Examine our lives and identify things that no longer serve us. We may feel stuck and unable to move. We may find ourselves wanting more from life. We may be experiencing negative emotions. We identify indicators that tell us when we are ready to release.

Once we are ready to release something from our lives, it is good to find a way that honors the mental, spiritual, physical and emotional aspects of our existence. Perhaps we can journal a statement of release, do a ceremony saying goodbye to an experience or physically destroy (burning, burying, let go in the air) a symbol of what we are releasing, so that it can transform, outside of us, to something new.

In my work with Lynn Andrews, her teachings and events would often honor the power of release. Often, she would lead us in a process to identify an aspect of ourselves that was ready for release. We would familiarize ourselves with it and reach an understanding that it was time for it to go. Then, we would release and let go of a symbol of it in a ceremonial fire.

A Lightness Of Being

When we become adept at releasing in our lives, we gain a lightness of being. We see change as a natural part of our lives. We are no longer carrying the baggage that we once were. We are flowing with the current of life’s movement, rather than pushing against it. We are enjoying the movement and no longer feel stuck.

With release, many Openings appear. We are ready and have room to consider them. We have what we need to walk through the Openings that call us. We are ready to face the challenges that come and embrace the possibilities that are before us. We have excitement for the new flow in our lives. By creating and experiencing release, we are stronger.