Let It Go
Three little words – let it go. It seems so simple: Forget about things that are bothering you. Stop thinking about something stressful. Quit living in the past and dwelling on what you should have/could have/would have done. But these 3 simple words are often challenging to heed.
Last night, I attended an awesome yoga class that was held in my neighbor’s garage. {I know, it sounds a little funny, but bear with me.} There’s an instructor in Atlanta who has started a company called Yoga with Friends. It’s a mobile yoga practice where you gather a group of people together and she comes to you with all the straps, blocks, blankets and other things bendy-flexible yoga people need (can you tell I’m not typically one of them?). She sets up tiny twinkle lights to outline the space, lights candles, plays soft music and even rubs lavender on your head and neck at the end of class. Cool, huh?
Well, at the beginning of class yesterday, our instructor shared with us that she creates a theme for her classes every month. She informed us that her theme for this month is LET IT GO. We were encouraged to think about that during the 1-hour restorative yoga session and even chant it in our heads as a mantra. (I may not be able to effectively strike my yoga poses but repeating mantras in our head is one thing us runners know a thing or two about.)
As I was struggling through lizard pose and trying to figure out why I can’t touch both elbows to the ground (you would have loved to see pictures of that, right!?!), I realized there are so many things I need to do a better job of letting go.
Like the to-do lists I create and re-create in my head when I hit the pillow every night, preventing me from sleeping (oh yeah and the emails I write in my head while trying to fall asleep too).
Like the things I should have done or wanted to do during each day that I didn’t get to.
Like the bad workouts we have now and then that shake our confidence.
Like the mean or unkind thoughts that enter my brain every so often.
Like the insignificant things I find myself complaining about.
Like the extra cookie (or 2) I ate.
Now is our chance to let it go. To give up those nagging thoughts. To give up the guilt we put on ourselves for not being a superhero every single day. To not let our bad days outshine our good ones. Maybe I should go to yoga more often. Let it go, my friends.
What is one thing you want to try to let go of this month? Do you practice yoga regularly? If so, what’s your favorite type of yoga?
Comments
Frozen said it best 😉 I’m going to “let go” of being passive aggressive in my relationship. I am going to work on communicating better.
I am trying to let the stress of things I can not control go. I love practicing yoga my favorite types of yoga are restorative and vinyasa flow. Whenver I leave a class I feel balanced, happy and refocused on the important things in my life – it’s a good feeling 🙂
Karen @karenlovestorun
Let it go. When you say those three words..the final word “goooo”, seems to naturally draw the breath out.. an exhale if you will. Breathing is important during the yoga sessions. I started attending a weekly yoga class every Wednesday evenings at 7:30 PM for about 10 weeks now and I absolutely enjoy it so much. First, by Wednesday I am usually going a million miles a minute with work, children and trying to get my running and strength workouts in for the week. With the class it is in nice vinyasa flow and really relaxes and works me at the same time. ( I am usually sweating good by mid class). A great way to “slow down” mid week. It has helped me tremendously with my running form and knee pain is nearly gone. I traded kickboxing for yoga and I will stay with the yoga. As I works the body and calms my mind. As far as what I am letting go of this month. I am letting go of focusing on “my stuff” and volunteering my time at our Habitat for Humanity build and helping a dear friend with some painting and house repairs. …. Deep breath.. hand at heart center…namaste…
Jesica, this came right in time. I needed just something like that message. Thank you so much.
I want to let go fear, worries and negative thinking.
I love doing the sun salutations. Should practice yoga more often!
Great reminder. Its easy to focus on the negatives and challenges we face but just letting it go will do wonders for your mental state.
Thanks for the great reminder Jesica! I need to let go of the negative thoughts that enter my mind consisting of not being good enough and comparing myself to others. I used to do a weekly yoga class, it consisted more of deep stretching, and I loved it..maybe after my HIM this Saturday I will start going again.
Good luck this weekend Angie! I can’t wait to hear how your race goes! And you are absolutely good enough!!!!!
Those are three very powerful words. I have such a hard time doing it with just about everything but specifically with interpersonal conflict. If I could let go of some things, I’d be way better off.