Actively Letting It Be
By Lisa Templeton, Ph.D.
To be active in letting it be means to practice. Life is a practice ground for learning, although we often forget this. We are more at peace when we accept what is happening and actively let things be. To be in the energy of peace, we must let go of resistance to any situation and live in openness to what is. The more flexible we are, the more of the calm stillness of peace we experience. To express resistance is an argument with reality that we will ultimately lose.
Letting it be is ultimately about letting go of resistance. The first step is noticing that resistance is there. Whether it is resistance to a traffic jam, resistance to an expectation that didn’t go your way, or resistance to self-forgiveness from the past, we have to understand that it is there before we can let it go. We can’t let go of something we don’t hold awareness of. Notice when you are in an energy of resistance and how that makes you feel. For me, the feeling can manifest as tension, irritability, and frustration. Sometimes I can feel disappointment as well given things didn’t turn out like I thought they would. I have found that having expectations at all will eventually lead to disappointment, which is a form of resistance.
Most importantly when actively letting it be, we must have compassion for ourselves and others. If I move into an energy of conflict and drama, judging myself or others for moving into this energy only perpetuates the same energy! We need to work on staying as calm as we can and as loving as possible as we move through life like waves of an ocean. Sometimes a huge wave comes and wipes us out. Ride it with love as best you can. While you are judging yourself for not seeing the last huge wave, another one hits you. Stay loving, present and aware of your actions and reactions at all times. Keep breathing and offering yourself encouragement as you are continuing to learn. This year, set your intent to practice and be active in letting things be.
Lastly, make conscious actions in your thoughts and behaviors to create peace. Our actions play a huge role in creating peace in our lives. Choose positive thoughts and bring in positive emotions to experience. Be generous with others. Do and say things to uplift yourself. Offer your smile to others and give light and love to everyone you meet. Be sure to seek out the beauty in the world. Nature is so grounding and amazing – we are living on a beautiful earth and life lives all around us, no matter where you are.
Set your intent to practice slowing down. Take time every day to slow your thoughts and consciously breathe. Open your heart in gratitude and name several blessings in your life. When you take the time to make an effort to actively change the quality of your being, the more peace you create in and all around you.
Peace always starts within. If the opposite of peace is conflict, then be a good friend to yourself! Try to speak kindly within to create more harmony. If you notice statements to yourself that are not kind, apologize and say what you mean to say, as you would with someone you love who might be hurt by your words. How can you find any peace if you are in a battle with yourself? You cannot let things be and criticize them at the same time. Pay close attention to how you are talking to yourself. Choose to speak kindly and compassionately to yourself within. If you find that you are struggling with this, simply move away from the conflict and remind yourself you are working to change this. Focus on something that uplifts and strengthens you. Spend time with others who elevate and inspire you.
Forget about what you think you are supposed to feel when you try letting it be, get out of your head and just feel. Let yourself be in that moment, whatever it is. Tap into the present for just a few seconds or maybe a minute.
We all need to practice and for more guidance on this, consider taking a monthly class presented by Dr. Lisa running in 2019 from January through June. The class is the third Thursday every month from 6-8pm at The IHC. The first class will be on Thursday, January 17th. Check out www.drlisatempleton.com/classes/
Also, practice the meditation for actively letting the moment be on January 20th, 2019 at 10am. Let us all slow down together for just 10 minutes to actively let it be in peace while moving into blissful stillness. Let’s spread that peace from our innermost place of calm to all who are in need around us.
One of the ways I uplift myself is to write poetry. I want to share a poem to inspire you:
Actively Letting It Be
Look around you, what do you see?
It all depends on the mindset you choose to be.
Only when there is something
You cannot accept
Can there ever a problem be.
It all depends on the love and beauty
I choose to shine from inside me.
Look around, flow in beauty
Look around, open to love
You are the light of the world
And radiate the peace of a dove.
In the present moment
Quiet your mind
Honor your body’s emotional words
And listen to your child divine.
Be with your dreams
Let your will unfurl
Transform your abilities
And open in empathy to the world.
Be the light in your life
Shine on with active passion
Put yourself out there
Support yourself with compassion.
Take space between each breath
Love yourself to no end
Take moments between actions
Time and space will bend.
You are supported by love
Truth and flow
Pay attention to your Goddess within
Float in her joyful river and row.
Take precious time
Sit in blissful gratitude
For letting it be
Is only but an attitude.