The hardest thing the ego must learn to do is to “let go,” specifically to let go of control. The ego often lives by the motto, “If some is good, more has got to be better.” Control comes in the way of emotional attachment, and its grip is very strong. We hang on to thoughts and feelings about ourselves, others, or a host of situations, well beyond the need to hang on. Ironically, in the process of emotional attachment, we give our power away. To paraphrase an old adage, “It takes strength to hang on, but it takes greater strength to let go.” There are many words and expressions to let go of emotional attachment: Cleanse, release, detach, move on, grieve, and perhaps the most important, forgiveness. The rules of letting go begin with examining your conscience to see what unresolved feelings of anger and fear still persist. Once recognized, let them go, and this may take several efforts. Like a little kid running down the street after a runaway nickel, the ego will release and then change its mind, grabbing for anything to hold on to. Detachment is a skill. With practice will serve you in stressful times. There are many ways to domesticate the ego. Detachment is one of the most important rules in this process.
Stress Tip for the Day
Comb through you mind to reflect on any issues, concerns, problems or situations where your ego has a hard time letting go. Remember, releasing/ cleansing isn’t a sign of resignation or apathy. It is a step toward liberation.
Links/Books/Movies Worth Noting:
Here are a few more links on the topic:
http://drbenkim.com/detaching-from-ego.htm
http://www.brianjohnpiccolo.com/articles/Detachment-Ego-and-Co-Creation.htm
Quote for the Day:
“He who would be serene and pure needs but one thing, detachment.” —Meister Eckhart
“ To be consistently effective, you must put a certain distance between yourself and what happens to you on the golf course. This is not indifference, it’s detachment.” — Sam Snead
Photo for the Day:
In combing through my mind for visual ideas for this blog entry, it didn’t take long to realize that this photo won hands down. It’s quite common to see hot air balloons in the morning skies here in Colorado. And, as we all know, a balloon cannot leave the ground without detachment.
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
