letting go craez: There is tremendous freedom in letting go. It is liberation to free ourselves of things that clutter our lives; too many possessions, useless emotions, unhealthy habits, old beliefs, even people that drain our energy. All of these things and more can weigh us down.
Every once in awhile it's good to "clean out our closets" literally and figuratively.
Like pruning dead branches or like a snake shedding an old skin, we need to let go of the what no longer serves or what no longer fits, so that there is room for something new, alive, and what is needed
at this time in our lives. Yet, we are a possessive society. We often hold on to things, feelings, and relationships out of habit or, many times, out of fear of being without. For so much of learning to let go is about learning to trust. We have to be able to trust that, indeed, new branches will grow, that there is a new skin under the old one. And yet, to the degree that we are willing to let go, we are able to receive. When we stop holding on and clinging to anything, we realize we have everything.
For in reality, we really own nothing. Certainly, we don't own people. Our spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, children are not really "ours." Even if we own the title to our house or car, such possessions can be gone in a moment, taken by a natural disaster, an accident, or financial circumstances. Native Americans could not
grasp the European concept of "owning" land, anymore than one can own the sky. For everything belongs to the universe, as even we do. When we allow ourselves to rethink our sense of "ownership," it is easier to let go. We no longer need to feel burdened by the responsibility of having to hold on to something. Rethink the value of a prized book collection, a coveted job, and feelings for an old flame. Perhaps it isn't necessary to physically get rid of something, but letting go of the power that a person, ideology, or material object possesses is truly freeing.
Re:letting go Sittingbear: craez
Your missive on letting go...is excellent. Thank you for scribbing this. I needed to hear it badly. I agree whole heartedly with the letting go of the useless, worn out emotions and behaviours. I am so tired of hoping that it will mend and will be better. Yet the scar will always remain, to remind me of the damage that occured between us. The ex and I are begining our individual healing paths. Healing not only from our relationship, but are working on our past relationships. How is she doing?, well I counldn't say because I've been to busy working on myself.
In your missive you spoke about the Native Americans and their perspective on life and relationships to creation. This is what woke me up inside. I had forgotten this natural beleif, or maybe it was covered up by all the emotional stuff, and the distractions that I have called to myself. none the less, your sharing has opened me up , and somewhat reset my thinking of who I am as a member of the first nations community, and what my next step is too be on this path.
Thank you Craez...I am not this being, whom's purpose is to suffer in a vicious cycle of pain and suffering. I am with a higher purpose, to be healthy and share with my children and show them that life is truly an adventure or success and challenge. I wonder, and would like to ask a question...Was I being selfish and self centered in my self pity (over the divorce) and trying to manipulate her back to me?
