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 who drain our energy. All of these things and more can weigh us down. Every once in a while it’s good to “clean out our closets” literally and figuratively.
Like pruning the dead branches or like a snake shedding its old skin, we need to let go of things which no longer serve or what no longer fit, 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 even dogmatic, 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,properties etc 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. 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 the FREEDOM – P.K.
Tree of Enlightenment by P. Krishnaswamy 