“There is no power on earth that can neutralize the influence of a high, simple, and useful life.”
~ Booker T. Washington, American political leader and educator
“I release this,” I thought to myself today more than once. “I am removing myself from any attachment to the outcome of this conversation. I am free to do what I love, to do what’s useful.” This simple statement gave me a very powerful feeling and a rush of energy that I wasn’t expecting. It gave me room to breathe.
For all of the times we feel powerless or helpless or victimized, there is one remedy that we can practice that gets easier the more often we try it: release attachment to the outcome. So much of our pain is generated by trying to hang on to something that has slipped away, or worse yet something we have willingly left that has left a mark on our hearts.
So how can we let go of what hurts in favor of what heals and nurtures?:
1.) Visualization is a powerful tool. Imagine leaving something painful behind. Wrap it up, tuck it away, and then walk away knowing that it’s done.
2.) Remember that something which causes pain can also provide us with incredible learning. There is a principle in yoga that says the world gives us exactly the learning we need exactly when we need it. Something that didn’t go the way we had planned is not time wasted. We’re better for the trials we endure.
3.) A friend of mine once sent me a quote during a very difficult time. It said, “the world is a very generous place. It will give you the same lesson over and over again until you finally learn it and don’t need to go through it anymore.” Learn the lesson and move on.
4.) Tough times clear out what our lives no longer need. If we release what’s causing us pain, what’s no longer useful to us, we make room for a life composed of things that bring us joy and make our days worthwhile. When you’re going through tough times, remember that at the end of that tunnel, and no matter how bad things are there certainly is an end, there is a great and glorious light waiting to receive us. Trust the journey and keep going.
The image above is not my own. It can be found here.
Christa Avampato 
