Mindfulness Attitudes

Attitude Number Seven: Letting Go

The attitude of letting go is similar to the attitude of acceptance and implies being with whatever arises within us, whether we judge what comes up as “good” or “bad.” We, as humans, have a tendency to want to hold onto beautiful moments or experiences while we also work hard to push away thoughts, feelings, or situations that we do not like.

In our MBSR practices, we cultivate the attitude of letting go when we don’t hold onto either of those actions—we practice allowing what we are experiencing in thought, feeling, or sensation to just be there and to pass. In our workshops, we use the analogy of clouds in the sky. We ask participants to think about how clouds always pass no matter if they are beautiful, fluffy ones or dark, ominous ones—they always pass. When we cultivate the attitude of letting go, we begin to notice that what we label as positive or negative can be experienced in the moment and then allowed to just pass. This can not only decrease our suffering but it also allows us to be open to the next moment that awaits us.

I would love to have you join me in our next MBSR Workshop. Contact me to find out more!