Counterintuitive. Paradoxical. So many things on the spiritual journey seem to fall into these two categories. The topics of this month’s newsletter are prime examples:
Acceptance & letting go
At first they seem very weak and passive. Accepting things and letting go are what you do when you’ve given up, right? How can these be spiritual, let alone powerful? Yet they are both spiritual and incredibly powerful. Permit me to make a case for their value in your life…
If you do not accept an event that has already taken place in your life, whether that’s having a flat tire or losing your job or a relationship, you are in resistance. There is an internal NO! that is happening in your psyche. You don’t like what has happened and are refusing to accept it. But the laws of metaphysics tell us that when we resist something that has already transpired, we are wasting our energy. It has happened, and to fight the fact it has happened is not only futile, but it holds us back from moving forward in a helpful way.
However, if you accept what has already happened, all of your energy is available to sort out an intelligent response. Acceptance does not mean you do nothing, nor does it mean that you like what happened, just that you’re not fighting against it. From a place of acceptance you can determine what response, if any, is necessary. If you do choose to take action it will be from the powerful place of peace, alignment with the present moment and your goals. Inspired action from this place is powerful, indeed.
Letting go is another seemingly passive stance that smacks of apathy, but again, is surprisingly beneficial. When a situation or person leaves your experience, it is understandable to try to hold onto it or them. Perhaps you’re a parent who doesn’t want to let their child go off to college. Or maybe a longstanding friendship suddenly feels sour and awkward. Or maybe it’s not a person at all, but a belief that needs to be released. It may be religious, political, or general culture beliefs that begin to feel like a too-tight jacket; something we have outgrown.
But letting go can feel scary, like you are losing all control of the situation, or are coming unmoored from what has been very familiar and comfortable to you. However, control is just an illusion and everything in life has its time and season. Letting go of what has or is wanting to leave your experience clears the way for new people, opportunities or beliefs to enter and enrich your life in new and surprising ways.
So how is your tolerance for paradox? These practices that appear to be too passive to be helpful are really the practices that fuel our unfolding and evolving journey through life. I invite you to give them a try.
If you would like support with applying acceptance and letting go in your life, please reach out and schedule a free 30 minute call. Together we can explore how life coaching can dissolve blocks and open the way for you to create the life you dream of.
