Letting go, the process of nonattachment, is a universal spiritual practice. As we hold on to things—be they thoughts, feelings, beliefs, expectations, interpretations, ways of doing things—we close ourselves off from the direct experience and potentiality of life.
In Deepak Copra's book The Path to Love he speaks about letting go on physical, mental, and emotional levels. Attachment on any of these levels creates a level of tension which is detrimental to your health and growth. In addition, these attachments usually have an element of resistance and fear which will often create the circumstances for that fear to manifest in your life.
I have found the 'formulas', as Deepak calls them, of the section on mentally letting go to be especially profound for me and so I wanted to share them here.
From page 174 in The Path to Love:
This is just an experience. I'm here on earth to have experiences. Nothing is wrong.
My higher Self knows what is going on. This situation is for my benefit, even if I can't see that now.
My fears may come true, but the outcome will not destroy me. It may even be good. I'll wait and see.
I'm having a strong reaction now, but this isn't the real me. It will pass.
Whatever I'm afraid of losing is meant to go. I will be better off when new energies come in.
Whatever fear says, nothing can destroy me. When people fall they don't break, they bounce.
Change is inevitable. Resisting change doesn't work.
There is something here for me, if I have the awareness to find it.
The things I fear the most have already happened.
I don't want to hold on anymore. My purpose is to let go and welcome what is to come.
Life is on my side.
I am loved; therefore I am safe.
Embracing these understanding softens the heart, cultivates acceptance, and brings our attention back into this present, inevitable moment.
Deepak says:
"These aren't just formulations, they are new beliefs that, when sincerely held, call in spirit to aid you."
Much love, and many blessings.
Journaling/Reflection Prompt
Allow yourself to intuitively pick on of the formulations above—perhaps simply whichever one your eye is naturally drawn to first. Read it and take a deep breath. How is this formulation already functioning in your life? What would your experience be like if that formulation was fully embraced?