Sitting by a river in the mountains of Ogden, Utah, after a fresh rain, I find myself reflecting on the incredible power of water in the process of letting go. Water, in all its forms, has been a cornerstone in my journey to recover from burnout and manage stress—whether it’s the overwhelming kind that feels insurmountable or just the day-to-day pressures that accumulate over time.
The Letting Go Technique Refresh
Letting go is a practice of releasing burdens, stress, and emotional clutter to create space for renewal and vitality. Through my own experiences, I’ve discovered that water, both as a literal and symbolic element, can guide us in this transformative process.
Here’s how:
How Do You Do the Letting Go Technique?
Letting go starts with intention. The key is to focus on releasing rather than holding onto what no longer serves you. Here are the steps I’ve used:
- Set an Intention: Decide what you want to release—whether it’s stress, fear, or a specific worry. I often do this by sitting by a river and imagining my concerns being carried away by the flowing water.
- Engage with Water: Submerge your hands, feet, or entire body in water. This can be a bath, a visit to the hot springs, or simply a moment with a bowl of water at home. For me, soaking in natural hot springs has been profoundly calming, allowing me to let go physically and emotionally.
- Visualize Release: Picture your burdens dissolving into the water. When I’m near a river, I’ll sometimes perform a simple ritual of releasing intentions by letting them flow downstream.
What Are 3 Ways to Practice Letting Go?
Here are three practical and water-inspired methods for letting go:
- Garden Rituals: Watering plants is one of my favorite ways to shift focus outward. As I nurture my garden, I feel grounded and connected, letting go of the day’s stressors.
- Ocean Meditation: The waves’ natural rhythm mirrors life’s ebb and flow. Standing by the ocean, I let the waves symbolically take away my worries, offering a sense of renewal.
- Gratitude for Water: Practicing mindfulness about water’s value heightens its impact. After fasting from water on occasion, I’ve come to cherish every drop, using it intentionally to amplify my connection to the letting go process.
What Is the Let Go Method?
The Let Go Method is about releasing stress through intentional actions that connect your mind and body. Water plays a central role as a medium for both cleansing and renewal.
For example:
- Submersion: A long bath or soak in a hot spring can help your body relax, making it easier to let go mentally.
- Mindful Movement: Walking along a river or beach while focusing on the sound and feel of the water can clear your mind and encourage emotional release.
- Symbolic Release: Write down what you want to let go of and release it into water, imagining it being carried away.
How Do I Train Myself to Let Go?
Training yourself to let go takes time and practice.
Here are strategies inspired by my personal journey:
- Create Rituals: Regularly incorporate activities like watering plants, visiting water bodies, or taking baths into your routine to signal your mind and body to relax.
- Use Visualization: Picture your stress dissolving or being carried away. For example, I often visualize my worries flowing downstream while sitting by a river.
- Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the value of water and the opportunity it provides for renewal. When you’re mindful of its power, you’ll naturally approach the letting go process with more intention.
Finding Renewal Through Letting Go
Water has taught me to release what weighs me down so I can fill back up with vitality and purpose. Whether it’s through a garden ritual, soaking in a hot spring, or meditating by the ocean, these practices have grounded me in the present moment and helped me move forward.
If you’re navigating burnout or seeking renewal, consider joining the Transformative Learning Institute to explore these techniques further. Let’s embrace the freedom and vitality that come from letting go.
