Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything – anger, anxiety, or possessions – we cannot be free.
Thich Nhat Hanh
I had a peaceful quiet time at home then things went downhill… When I arrived at Pineridge Natural Area there was a car sitting crossways into the area entrance. It was a young couple there to watch the predawn and sunrise, and couldn’t blame them. However, they did not move so to get in I needed to go around. There was enough room but it meant I would need to drive at the edge of the road and through a couple of potholes created during our last rain. It was all manageable. A half hour later as I left for the coffee shop they were still sitting there and the car was still running. First resentment I needed to let go of! Driving to the coffee shop someone in a new Audi wanted me to get to the coffee shop quicker than I wanted, so I let them go around me. They were sitting there waiting for me at the stoplight. Second resentment I needed to let go of! When I arrived at the coffee shop my laptop would not allow me to reach my website, however my phone could. Technology had me flustered again. Third resentment I needed to let go of. I looked at my watch, it was only 8:21 am. Sigh! On the positive side, we are expecting some much needed rain today. And, with the purpose of being a student of life and desiring to live with freedom, it seems to be starting out as a day for teaching me lessons on letting go. I did enjoy the predawn colors at the natural area (once I got in). Have a wonderful Friday!!
6 Comments
Faye White
Letting go is certainly easier said than done but it must be done. As a worrier and an overthinker, I often struggle to let go of things I cannot control. Sigh, Life.
Monte Stevens
Yes, seems to be a human trait, part of who we are. I too sigh on a continuous basis. Have a wonderful Monday on this April Fools Day.
geri oster
I keep coming back to this calming photograph and these life-giving words, Monte. I agree with Faye that letting go is our only hope for true joy and peace, yet my ego, (there it is again!) so clings to its false sense of control. As I set out on errands this beautiful snowy morning, I shall seek to release my grip on MY particular desired outcomes. Thank you.
Monte Stevens
Glad you like the image and my writing. From my own perspective of self, I am learning to let go more often and to be patient with myself.
Mark
It would be an interesting exercise to log all the little things that happen throughout the day that bug us. I imagine we learn to let go of a lot more than we realize.
Monte Stevens
I agree logging them would be interesting, but it may be a rather long list, time consuming, and anotherthing to add to the list. Speaking from my own experience, I am learning to let go of more things.