Let Go of the Things That No Longer Serve You

DHARMA TALK - JUNE 25, 2017 I HEART YOGA

One of the first things I did when I began my teacher training is letting go of the things that no longer serve me - be it material possessions, feelings or emotions and yes, even people.  I realized that those things just weigh me down and hinder my progress as a human being.  It was tough at first, as I am so used to being attached to these things that the thought of letting go can be rather daunting, unfamiliar and scary.  But then I realized once I did, I felt lighter,  less stressed, less worried.  I began to see things differently and most importantly, I created space for myself.

When we find things that we want in life, we sometimes hold on so tightly for fear that we will lose it. At times, our minds can make us believe we need these belongings, situations and relationships, and out of this fear we hold on to them for dear life.  It is natural for things to come in and out of our lives, and the lesson is to trust when it’s time to let some things go.  

When you came into the studio today, are there things from earlier still lingering in your mind?  Are you still thinking about them now?  If so, then for today, I invite you at least for the next hour or so to let go of those things that you came to yoga to get out of.  Take this time for you and your mat.  Nothing else.  Notice how much lighter you are as you carry yourself through movement, flows and poses.  Yoga is an important meeting with yourself so honor that and be present in this moment and leave everything else outside your mat.