EXERCISE: Letting Go

As you read this exercise, take a deep breath and, as you exhale, allow the tension to leave your body. Let your scalp and your forehead and your face relax. Your head need not be tense in order for you to read. Let your tongue and your throat and your shoulders relax. You can hold a book with relaxed arms and hands. Do that now. Let your back and your abdomen and your pelvis relax. Let your breathing be at peace as you relax your legs and feet. Do you feel a noticeable change in your body since you started reading the previous paragraph? Notice how much you hold on. If you are holding on with your body, you are holding on with your mind. In this relaxed, comfortable position, say to yourself, “I am willing to let go. I release. I let go. I release all tension. I release all fear. I release all anger. I release all guilt. I release all sadness. I let go of old limitations. I let go and I am at peace. I am at peace with myself. I am at peace with the process of life. I am safe.” Go over this exercise two or three times. Feel the ease of letting go. Repeat it whenever thoughts of difficulty come up. It takes a little practice for the routine to become a part of you. Once you are familiar with this exercise, you can do it anywhere at any time. You will be able to relax completely in any situation.