"...I become what I might be"
Welcome to my fourth blog as we reach the end of October in spooky circumstances...
I have given much thought and reflection during the past few days as to the theme of this blog of the month, particularly as Halloween is often an inevitable fallback choice, but have been inspired as to recent ideas about how often we may wish that events in life could have occurred differently. The mind suddenly very quickly can start imagining what could have been, despite the face that reality is happening before our eyes and passing by with every second, minute, hour and day... and it is your choice as to what to focus your thoughts on.
Below is a quote to illustrate how we can face the attachments:
"Let go of the illusion that it could have been any different"
Easier said than done.
Just as the way the sun shines down onto the rocks in the picture above, we can maintain balance, and letting go is one way of ensuring that the weighing scales in our lives stay as uniform as possible. Once you have taken the first step to identifying with what you can't let go, relax and trust that the right path will open up before you.
Eckhart Tolle believes that we create and maintain problems in our lives to give us a sense of identity. Harsh but perhaps true. Indeed, this may explain why we often hold onto pain far beyond its ability to serve us. Take a moment to consider the last time you felt agitated... maybe on the morning journey to school, university, work or just general travel, you were enjoying yourself until one person decides to pull out unexpectedly, or even worse, the traffic made you late. What is it that stops us letting go of that negativity? Undoubtedly, if we could just let go, our journey would be a lot happier and maybe even our lives as a whole. It is surprising that such a small change can affect our lives drastically and we have the power to make our lives easier, but stubbornly we often choose the path of most suffering. When spelled out like that, literally on the page, it seems ludicrous to torment ourselves in such a way, just for some self-worth. I hope that after you have finished reading this, you may able to consider your actions with more clarity of mind and perspective, in the hope of simply letting go with ease.
A thought is a physical pathway in the brain...
Believe it or not, thoughts do have physical effects in our lives and therefore, it is vital that we are aware of what we ponder on, and what we spend our time considering. The more that you have one particular thought, the more that you create a deeper groove for the physical pathway and thus, the easier it is to have the idea again. When we consider our example of getting annoyed by a car in the morning, because the brain is likely to be more active as we continue throughout the first part of the day, the thoughts of annoyance may be repeated again and again. Especially when someone doubtless asks you how your journey was... there is another opportunity to let go, rather than to assume the usual position of repeating your emotive story again and further cementing it on the brain. Literally.
"Leave who you were. Love who you are. Look forward to what you will become"
The words above suggest a joyful perspective to your nature and an upbeat approach to letting go and moving forward. With approximately 70,000 thoughts per day, what a difference it would make to all of our lives if we held less attachments to our thoughts and opinions and simply let them be. Of course, this idea is a lot less simple than it sounds but having the confidence to be aware of your own personal attachments seems to me to be the first step to facing up to what you can let go of, with practice.
Reframing negative events...
As I have suggested, this attitude does not recommend trying to blot out the negative emotions and scenarios which certainly will occur in a quotidian manner, but for us to recognise the balance within oneself and how there are thoughts, ideas, opinions and even emotional reactions which we can let go of. By reframing these negative evnets in a more positive light, it has been proven that we can rewire our brains and make ourselves happier people. We might not have the most material wealth, the perfect family or even the calmest brain but the idea of simply letting go and adapting our perspective with such favourable results is encouraging. #spreadingthepositivity
Our brain consumes vast amounts of energy...
The average brain only weighs about 3lbs but uses between 20-25% of our energy supplies each day and this has monumental effects on how we may consider our attachments and the possible advantages of letting go. If we find the power to let go of those recurring thoughts, we will have more energy to direct towards the other more important aspects of our life which we may wish to address. Even considering the slowest speeds in our brain, information passes around 260mph... this is a lot faster than you may instinctively imagine and indicates what power we hold. If we are able to control this source of power which utilises such a large portion of our daily energy, we hold the key to achieving whatever goals we set in our minds (or brains). Indeed, if you were to measure your brainwave activity, you wouldn't see any drop off when you go to sleep as the brain has to work hard pumping blood around the body to and from the heart, digesting food, maintaining blood pressure and much more to make sure you stay alive. Surely, it will only be a pleasure to the brain if you were able to let go of the petty ruminations from the day and allow it to be occupied with only the necessary tasks.
Deepak Chopra observes "In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past but you will find yourself". I hope you feel more uplifted by these words and inspired to take the test and challenge yourself to start letting go of those pesky inner thoughts. Worry. Pride. Regret. And everything else, be it thought, emotion, reaction or opinion, which enters your brain. Take it slowly. Perhaps end each day with letting go of three things which have toyed with your brain all day and observe the difference. Keep bright and light in the words of Nikki Rowe "Don't force it. If there isn't flow, let it go".
Letting go is not forgetting...
As we have taken time to consider this notion of letting go, I am sure that many of you sat reading have thought about loved ones, happy memories and even special places which hold significance in your heart. Are we meant to let go and forget these? I think this demonstrates the key misunderstanding which may often persuade us to act accordingly. We can reminisce and remember and still let go. The attachments in our minds are inextricably linked with emotion and desires to hold on, not with fond memories which appear from time to time. You may find some benefit of letting go of these ideas which chain you down and seek internal reactions. Enjoy the adventures in the present moment surrounded by all those who you love and simply be happy with whenever these memories decide to recur in the brain. No force or effort required.
Let go.
Wishing you all a wonderful Halloween and many more fantastic opportunities in the days and weeks to come, as a new month and a new journey begins. The darkness may seem overwhelming but hope always remains.
I conclude with an equally encouraging motto:
"Ad lucem" = "towards the light"
Love,
Sitara xxx
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