Letting Go in Order To Let it Be
Musings:
One of my favourite teachers is Darlene Cohen, who I have quoted before in my blog. And today a friend sent me the following excerpt, which has applicability to many situations in my life, and I suspect in the lives of others.
It boils down to letting go. Of course we make plans and include contingencies, hoping we have thought of everything. And then life in all of its complexity intervenes. The unexpected happens.
And when it does we can double down on attempting to control the uncontrollable or we can let go of what we wanted and expected and devote ourselves to working with the situation at hand: responsively; kindly; lovingly, creatively, and open heartedly.
Depending on the option we choose we will increase or decrease our suffering and the suffering of others in the room.
I found this excerpt from Darlene to be a good reminder that when we are in a vulnerable and emotionally laden situation, it is worthwhile to consider her words. Of course without practice we can’t turn this better response on and off, which is why we may want to work with the smaller everyday intrusions on our plans that can sometimes send us into a tizzy.Handling the “grain of sand in our shoe,” teaches us how to scale the mountains ahead, one foot after another.
Here is Darlene’s reflections:
Many of us tend to bombard a difficult situation with a compulsive and blind effort that buries its particulars in all the flailing about. Making much too much effort all the time in every situation is not only exhausting, but it is a way of avoiding true engagement with our lives. We’re so involved in our response, we can’t tell what’s actually going on in the situation we’re reacting to. This strategy has all the earmarks of panic. We strive and we struggle and apply ourselves utterly, which eliminates all opportunities to actually experience the often distressing hills and gullies of a demanding situation.My own experience of doing this is that it protects me from feeling my fear at not being able to handle the situation; I can’t bear to actually feel that twinge of terror that seizes my stomach, especially if the outcome is important.A big part of what you must learn if you’re to be less worried about controlling everything is how to let go of your compulsive need to feel in control. You would be better off making the effort it takes to learn when to stop making effort, when to allow things to just happen.”– Darlene Cohen
Notes
Note 1:) I am now on beautiful Gabriola Island with my Mother and the rest of my family. The weather is spectacular and everyday I awaken at sunrise to the golden sun painting a path across the water. And as the sounds of a new day emerge with the variety of bird calls; the waves lapping on the shore from the wake of a ferry; the grind of the coffee beans on the other side of the screen door and murmurings as one after another the people in the house arise and greet the day. I can only bow in all directions with gratitude.
Note 2:) My wonderful Mother has a hospital bed in the living room overlooking the ocean and the sunrise. She is so happy to be here with all of us as we are to be with her. It is amazing to see the devotion from her entire family of all ages, and the effort she puts out to be fully present with each of us. A lifetime of love and attention and good cheer.
Note 3:) Thank you for taking the time to stop by here. I am honoured by your attention to my scribbles and all the kind and encouraging notes you send. I look forward to Wednesdays no matter where I find myself. Please take care of yourselves during this time of heightened uncertainty in the world. Warmly, trudy
The bee and the blue flower photo is thanks to son, Rob. From his front yard.
Loving the image of your mother surrounded by all of you good people in that beautiful setting. May you each be filled with joy and peace. much love to you Trudy, Jan
That beautiful ‘blue flower’ looks like a lupin, whose time has now passed here in New Brunswick. They always signal the beginning of summer and I look forward to their glorious appearance in fields and along the roadways. He has really captured their beauty.
Georgie
There are no coincidences – this article comes at just the right moment 🙂 We are just about to tear down an old house and have a tiny wooden house built on the spot. Again and again I am faced with challenges of an unknown and unimagined kind… That means, I will have a lot of opportunities to practice letting go in the next months 🙂
Thank you so much, Trudy, for your posts and the opportunity, to have a little insight in your private world. Greetings to all of your family, especially your Mom:-)
My thoughts are with you and your family. Much love.
Picturing all the love in that room, in your mother’s heart, and amongst your beautiful family, Trudy. You are all in my heart.
Dear Trudy,
It sounds as if you are in a sacred place at a sacred time. Blessings.
Wendy
Good Morning Dearest Trudy and thank you for this message from your beautiful sanctuary – your pictures and words have touched all my senses! Darlene’s words resonate with my personal work of learning to let go … a new opportunity to practice in each and every moment, and indeed a practice for a lifetime. I continue to send love and healing energy to you, your precious Mom, and family.
Thank you Trudy
Timely message. I’ve done breathing exercises many times the past two weeks. Anxiety while Jim had a lymph biopsy and calming my fear of needles and my tooth extraction.
Happy you are with Mom and family. Memories to cherish.
Sending peace, love and joy to all.
Your blog topic came at a propitious time as I am no longer focusing on my next test results, still two months away. In the past I would know by now what course I wanted to pursue based on assumptions about some unknown future point. Through lots of sitting meditation & everyday practice, I am learning to let life unfold as she will.
Good morning Trudy, Thank you for sharing today.
Your posts never fail to uplift me and I am so happy to maintain our friendship in this way. My heart goes out to you and your family and especially to your dear mother.
Always love your blog posts Trudy. This was very special. Your notes were the best…especially the one of your beloved Mother. Give her a warm hug (a real one!!) from me.
Thinking of you all and sending an abundance of love to you all. xxx
♥️🌺♥️