The story: It was summer 1994 and I found myself at the Woodstock music festival. Wow- the people, the amazing music, and if you remember reading about the event ...yes there was rain! In the midst of the downpour, I was trying to make my way to the Aerosmith stage. But, I could barely move. My flip flips were sticking deep in the mud. And so, after a bit of mental struggle- I let them go. Yep, I left the flip flops in the mud and made my way to the stage where a man was about to challenge his shrilling vocal cords as he sang to a crowd of thousands. A literal example of letting go, yes..I was stuck...so I decided to go for it and let go. Now mind you, that meant I was barefoot in the mud for the rest of the weekend. But, you know what? ...I felt free. I was going with the flow of the music and the crowds and I relinquished my former thought of having to wear shoes.
Fast forward to present day and as a life coach and yoga teacher, I often encounter students who are stuck in life. But it goes well beyond mud, they are stuck and are on the path of losing themselves. Not pretty. And while I find myself guiding them to go with the flow and let go of what is causing them to sink deep; I do realize it is one of those easier said than done suggestions. But, does it really need to be that hard? Not if we can identify what we need to let go of-- time to take an honest look inside.
Time for action: Find a quiet space (or a loud space if you can reflect in that environment) and bring your journal or laptop to capture thoughts. First ask, am I going with the flow of life? Or, do I feel stuck? What are you holding onto that is causing you to be stuck in life? Is it your way of thinking, lack of time for yourself, your desire to always be pleasing others, your constant sacrificing of your personal time for work, debilitating worry, stress, fear, anger, etc etc? Once you can see what is getting in your way, then identify why you are holding onto it? For example, if you are constantly trying to please others, why are those people important in your life--or, are they? Is it time to let go of some people that don't fit in the life you want to live? Once you can see what is getting in your way, you can then begin to let go. Really let go...so you can live in your flow and recapture a feeling of freedom.
