For every problem
under the sun,
There is a solution
or there is none.
If there is one,
try to find it.
If there is none,
never mind it.
—Anonymous
Like many words of wisdom, the above poem is easier said than done. And that’s a great reason for blogging, to remind us to keep trying. And that we are not alone.
In a comment to last week’s post Bob mentioned he sometimes gets stuck rehashing a conflict long after it’s over. I’ve been thinking about that a lot this week…for most of us learning to let go is a lifelong challenge.
One thing I use is a list of traits that I’m trying to develop in myself. It’s now included on its own page, Stress-Hardiness Traits, in the menu on the left. I review that list often and check to see where I’ve integrated it into my life and where I need more practice. It’s a big help reminding me of the bigger picture and of what I’m aiming for in life. It’s the day-to-day practice that prepares us for challenges.
I also use a powerful image to help me let go. It’s of how hunters in Asia used to trap monkeys. They would hollow out a coconut, leaving a hole just big enough for a monkey to slip its hand in, but not big enough for the monkey to pull its fist out. The hunters would then attach the coconut to a tree with a rope and put a sweet treat in the hole. When a monkey came by it would smell the treat, reach in with its hand to grasp it, and get trapped. It was incapable of letting go.
So whenever I get stuck I think of myself as that monkey, keeping myself trapped because I can’t let go. Being able to see myself from that outside perspective helps me see the situation more clearly, and eventually I’m willing to let go of the trap and get on with my life.
What about you? How do you you let go? This site is about sharing, so please tell us your thoughts in the comments section. I especially invite Bob and Galba to continue this discussion.
Photo by RomuloArrais via Flickr. Creative Commons license.