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The Power of Letting Go

When I forgive someone, this is not a bestowal from me to them. It is my soul’s deep recognition that I have held something I no longer need to hold. Sometimes I am the creator of that for which I hold others responsible… my pain. My soul wants me to let go of this burden I hold as though it came from others. My heart calls to me to release, if I do not...my justifications will become even more important to me, I will multiply them and forge alliances with those who share them. My heart calls me to release, if I do… peace becomes far less illusive… I like that.

15 Symbols for Letting Go

Throughout history and cultures, various symbols have emerged to represent the act of letting go. Here are a few evocative examples:

The Open Hand: An open palm is a universal letting go symbol. It signifies offering something up or letting it go without resistance.

The Feather: Light and delicate, a feather embodies the idea of effortless release. It suggests letting go of something that no longer weighs you down, a burden you can release with ease.

The Flowing River: A river's constant movement symbolizes the natural flow of life and the importance of not clinging to the past. It encourages letting go and embracing change, moving forward with the current.

The Empty Vessel: An empty cup or vessel represents the act of making space for something new. It encourages letting go of the old to make room for the possibilities that lie ahead, creating space for new beginnings.

The Butterfly Emerging from its Chrysalis: The metamorphosis of a butterfly signifies transformation and growth. It represents letting go of the limitations of the past and embracing a new, more beautiful version of yourself, undergoing a beautiful transformation.

The Setting Sun: Just as the sun sets each day, symbolizing the end of a cycle, letting go can represent the closing of a chapter to make way for a new dawn. It signifies a natural ending, paving the way for a fresh start.

Falling Leaves: The natural shedding of leaves by trees signifies letting go of what is no longer needed to make way for new growth. Just as trees release leaves in preparation for winter, letting go can be necessary to allow for future flourishing.

The Open Door: An open door represents the opportunity to step into something new and exciting, requiring you to let go of what's behind it. It symbolizes stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing new possibilities.

The Emerging Seed: A seed releasing itself from its pod signifies letting go of the familiar and trusting in the process of growth and transformation. It represents taking a leap of faith and trusting in the potential for new beginnings.

The Labyrinth: Walking a labyrinthine path can symbolize the journey of letting go, with twists and turns representing the process of releasing what no longer serves you. It signifies that the process of letting go may not be linear, but the journey itself can be transformative.

The Smoke from a Fire: Smoke rising from a fire represents the release of something that has served its purpose, leaving behind a sense of peace and clarity. It signifies the letting go of something that is no longer beneficial, creating space for a sense of calm.

The Molting Snake: Snakes shedding their skin symbolize letting go of the old and constricting to make way for new possibilities for growth. It represents shedding limitations and embracing the potential for positive change.

The Breath Exhale: The act of exhaling represents the release of tension and negativity, creating space for a fresh inhale and new beginnings. It signifies a physical and metaphorical release, creating space for positivity.

White Flag: Waving a white flag signifies surrender and acceptance, letting go of resistance and embracing what is. It represents a decision to let go of struggle and find peace with the present moment.

Symbol of letting go archer letting go of arrow

The Archer Releasing the Arrow: An archer releasing their arrow symbolizes letting go of control and trusting in the natural course of events. It signifies taking action and trusting the process, letting go of the need to control the outcome.

These are just a few examples, and the most powerful symbols for letting go will be personal and meaningful to you. Consider what resonates with your own experiences and what imagery inspires you to release negativity and embrace new beginnings.

See below for our symbol for letting go, embodied in the 'Letting Go' pendant.

Important Questions to Ask in order to Let Go

What do my patterns and habits tell me about how I justify my feelings? How has convincing myself I am bad served me? When I do certain things, who am I blaming in the background? Myself? My parents? My oppressors? The feelings forced upon me by others? Who will release me from all this? Who is the only one who can release me from all this? Is it about me being released...or of me releasing? What is my answer!?

Indicators of Letting Go

I have let go of significant negative thing in my life.
I have decided to end unhealthy relationships in my life.
I have forgiven someone, especially if that person is undeserving.
I have made significant progress toward stopping unhealthy habits.
I recognize the meaning of “Blaming Emotions.”
I sees ways in which I can let go of my own blaming emotions.
I blame less frequently day by day.

Obstacles to Letting Go

The path to letting go isn't always smooth. Here are some common roadblocks you might encounter:

Fear: Fear of the unknown, fear of losing control, or fear of being hurt again can make it difficult to release negativity.
Anger: Holding onto anger feels justified, especially if you've been wronged. However, clinging to anger only hurts you in the long run.
Sense of Injustice: The feeling that someone owes you an apology or that the world isn't fair can keep you stuck in resentment.
Attachment to the Pain: Strangely enough, we can become attached to the pain of the past because it feels familiar or because we believe it defines us.

Here are some ways to overcome these obstacles:

Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you gain clarity and process difficult emotions.
Meditation: Meditation helps cultivate present-moment awareness and allows you to detach from negative thought patterns.
Professional Help: A therapist can provide guidance and support through the process of letting go and forgiveness.

The Benefits of Letting Go (beyond peace)

Letting go offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond simply achieving peace. Here are some ways your life can improve:

Increased Self-Compassion: When you let go of blame and self-criticism, you make space for kindness and understanding towards yourself.
Improved Relationships: Forgiveness allows you to rebuild trust and strengthen connections with others.
Greater Emotional Resilience: Letting go of negativity equips you to bounce back from challenges with more emotional strength.
Enhanced Creativity and Focus: When your mind isn't burdened by negativity, you have more space for creative exploration and improved focus.
A More Positive Outlook on Life: Letting go fosters a sense of optimism and allows you to appreciate the present moment.

Letting go empowers you to live a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Practical Steps for Letting Go (Your Way)

Letting go is a personal journey, and what works for one person might not work for another. Here are some prompts to guide you in developing your own strategies for letting go:

Identify Your Triggers: What situations or people tend to stir up negative emotions in you? Understanding your triggers can help you avoid them or develop coping mechanisms.
Find Your Release Valve: What activities or practices help you feel calmer and more centered? Maybe it's journaling, spending time in nature, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness.
Practice Forgiveness Rituals: Create a personal ritual for letting go of anger or resentment. This could involve writing a letter you never send, spending time visualizing yourself releasing the negativity, or practicing affirmations of self-compassion.
Shift Your Perspective: Sometimes, reframing a situation can help you let go. Challenge negative thoughts with more positive or realistic ones.
Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Letting go is a journey, and every step forward is worth recognizing.

Remember, the key is to find what resonates with you and create a letting-go practice that feels authentic and empowering.

Letting Go (Petro-Person)

The swirl in petroglyph language means a lot of things. One of its meanings is that of a directional indicator. It can either mean 'up, this way goes up, you can climb out and up from here,' or it can mean 'down, this is a way down to the water, this is a good way down.' Up and down are indicated by the clockwise or counterclockwise trajectory of the swirl. Traveling through canyon labyrinths of the American Southwest, these indicators came in handy. This figure is 'letting go' or dropping that which brings it down.