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Insight of ‘Letting Go’

P. A. Joseph P. A. Joseph
11 Sep 2023

We come across a number of realities on our way. Many of these we are aware of, but many things we are not aware, not even conscious of. It is interesting to have a look into these. Some of the realities are to be ignored rather than challenged. Often I am wounded in the past, and I carry over the negative memories lifelong. Sometimes I say I am half-right, but that is equal to being half-wrong; this I am not free to accept. This is also regarding my relationship with my companions. I will do well to accept these with an open heart; that in some way solves my problem. 

I need an open heart space in both positive and negative aspects. I need to develop a sense of art, dance, love of relationship, friends, nature, poetry, games, healthy sex relations etc. In Taoism and Buddhism there is an exercise or approach called “letting go”. This instructs not to take everything too seriously, but have a vision of freedom, and a relaxed manner to approach. It is not ignoring the issue or the problem but to approach in a mindful way. We cannot have absolute control over everything; we may have only political control, or rather diplomatic control; it may be beyond our reach; Look at a tree, a small one, but as it grows tall, it is open to face powerful winds; but the tree gets used to it and grows stronger and even taller. The heavy load of wind and rain on the top does not affect the bottom at all. In a way it enjoys the mild vibrations and it grows stouter and stronger. 

Another point to reflect is to give space to oneself and equally to others. Embrace change and accept changes taking place outside; Simply move along with others; this will give opportunities for positive living; I need not fight against my weakness; but allow things to happen; not too much to focus on outcome and to worry about the future; but stress on the present that alone is true and under my control; the world is not under our control; in a way nothing we can change or control materially or even emotionally; even for the passions  of love, anger, jealousy, etc. we  can have only political control; We cannot think of what others think of me; what others feel about me; I cannot enter into it; “let it go”;  but I must maintain my awareness of all these; that is my wisdom; forgetting the past especially the negative ones is a mature approach. 

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