BE INSPIRED

The freedom of letting go

MindfulnessPoses

Imagine you could simply lay down all the burdens that hold you back.

Cool, right? And also possible!
To evolve and make space for new things, it’s important to let go regularly. This is an ongoing process and doesn’t only apply to material things. You might cling to the desire for a million euros from the lottery, to work, to grief over a loss, to anger, to a relationship, to our children, to cigarettes, to food, to a health history, to sports, to our phones, to possessions, to limiting self-judgments, to beliefs, or to recurring thoughts and emotions.

When and how can you free yourself from these attachments?

Every day, you have the opportunity to release these attachments. When you hold on to negative thoughts or emotions—and that’s easy to do since negative energies can also be driving forces—it prevents you from reaching your full potential. We often live in the past or worry about the future instead of enjoying the present moment and truly living life.

So how can you break this cycle?

The key is in “letting go”. This practice is deeply rooted in yogic philosophy and helps you to recognize your true self. By letting go, your mind becomes freer and more open to new experiences and the quality of your experience determines the quality of your life.

How can you practice letting go?

  • Awareness of your breath: Your breath is a powerful tool. Take time to breathe consciously. Let go of the tension with each exhalation. You will quickly feel a feeling of “everything is OK” spreading within you
  • Mindfulness and acceptance: Accept what is right now. Instead of fighting, accept everything you feel – be it joy, sadness or fear and feel right there “feel what you feel”. This acceptance opens up the space for change
  • Gentle asanas: Practice postures that stretch and relax your body. Forward bends and hip openers are particularly helpful for releasing tension
  • Letting go of thoughts: Observe your thoughts without dwelling on them or getting caught up in them. Let them pass by like clouds in the sky. You are not your thoughts
  • Meditation and mantras: Meditate and repeat a mantra like “I let go”. These practices help you calm your mind and focus on what is important
  • Reminders in everyday life: Write little sentences like “let go” or “trust” on pieces of paper and place them in places you see often. These reminders are a support for your letting go practice

Three yoga poses that help you let go – relaxation for body and mind

Child’s Pose (Balasana)

This pose calms and relaxes. It helps you reduce stress and feel safe. This pose carries a deep psychological memory of our childhood. Use the exhalation to actively let go of things you no longer need or that are no longer helpful to you. It also promotes flexibility in the hips, thighs, and back, and calms the mind while relieving tension.

Instructions:

  • Start in a tabletop position and bring your big toes together behind you, with your knees at the edge of the mat
  • Slowly sit back onto your heels, bending your upper body forward and gently resting your forehead on the floor
  • Your arms can either be extended forward or placed along your body
  • Breathe deeply and evenly in and out through your nose to let go and relax your body

Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)

This pose promotes a connection to your body and helps release tension. It stretches the back muscles, calms the nervous system, and helps in releasing mental blockages, fostering inner peace.

Instructions:

  • Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you
  • Bend forward from your hips and try to reach for your feet
  • Make sure to keep your spine long and avoid pulling from your back
  • Breathe deeply in and out to further relax your body

Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana)

This deep stretching pose opens the hips and stretches the entire lower back. Through this practice, you can release emotional blockages and promote letting go.

Instructions:

  • Start in a tabletop position or Downward-Facing Dog. Bring your right knee forward and place it bent in front of you. Extend your left leg straight behind you and tuck your toes
  • The right foot can stay close to the hip, or you can move it further forward until the shin is parallel to the front edge of the mat
  • You can either place your fingertips to the right and left of your hips, lift your torso upright, and even arch your back, or you can slowly lower your upper body forward and down, resting it on the floor
  • Hold the position and breathe deeply in and out through your nose to open the hips and release emotional tension, then switch sides

The Power of Letting Go

Regularly practicing “Letting Go” has a profound impact on both body and mind. You’ll notice that you feel lighter and freer. By letting go of negative thoughts and emotions, you create space for joy and tranquility. Your mind will become clearer and more open, helping you face challenges with greater ease and even courage.

Life is a gift full of possibilities. Embrace it, enjoy every experience, and find freedom in letting go. Take the first step—you’ll be amazed at how much lighter and more fulfilling your life can be.

With love,
Karin & Team