Letting Go...

On Saturday, I was part of a burning bowl ritual. It entails writing things to let go of down on a piece of paper and setting it on flames. The ritual is both symbolic and satisfying because it is tangible and physical. We all understand the finality of fire. The list of things to let go of can be as follows:

Perceptions of inadequacy
Anger or resentment towards others
Fears
Feelings of lack or financial limitations
General negativity or depression


In the book The Artist's Way, there are exercises like this requiring automatic writing that I always guided my class to tear to shreds after purging the mental garbage expressed. It may be more practical than setting anything on fire. My point is that a list or an essay should be written about all the things you wish to release from your mind, life or consciousness. Then dispose of it in a visually and physically satisfying way. Afterwards, walk away from it completely and continue your life free and clear of it. Another exercise with the same effect is from Amanda Gore. Imagine having a sack of potatoes filled with one potato for each resentment and unfortunate thing that has ever occurred in your life. Carry the sack around for as long as you can bear it while the potatoes rot and weigh on you. See how people react to your carrying such a load on your back and how unattractive your issues really are. (www.amandagore.com) As much as this seems like a recipe, the special ingredient is your commitment to make it real.