Princess Sassy Pants & Co.™

The past is like clouds blocking the ever-shining sun. We think that clinging to it will somehow bring us happiness. We think about all the things that should or shouldn’t have happened and cling to the things we liked (or loved), believing that doing this will somehow bring us what we want.

If we are really, really honest with ourselves, it’s not hard to see that this NEVER works. How can we possibly find happiness by continually looking to what never works? And how could we help but feel depressed and a deep sense of hopelessness?

These are the clouds that are blocking the light of our true happiness. This light is always shining–right here and now. Right where you are…this minute.

So, how do we let go of the past? So many comment that this is “easier said than done.” I get that, but again, if we are really honest with ourselves, what’s harder than repeatedly looking for happiness where it can NEVER be found?

Here’s an exercise in releasing the past that you might try. Do it for only a couple of minutes at a time at first unless it feels very comfortable. It will probably feel very strange at first, and you might feel some resistance to it. That’s okay.

Sit with your eyes closed and imagine you are sitting before a really big movie screen. Notice everything you are feeling and thinking in that moment and see these things playing on that big screen. Watch them all, no matter what they seem to be, and let them all be.

As each thing or thought, hope, wish, or regret plays on the screen, think to yourself, “Let it be.”

You are not trying to change any of them in this exercise. If you have thoughts about wanting to change any of them, watch that, too, and let it be. Just watch. If emotions arise, let them be.

It’s like you are sitting on your hands and watching whatever comes to mind without trying to change any of them.

If you feel afraid, let it be. If you feel angry, let it be. If you feel sad, let it be. Let it all be. Remind yourself that these are just clouds, and they cannot hurt you.

The clouds are like shadow-boxing on a wall; the more we fight them, the more they fight back. As we learn that it’s safe to lay down our arms, the shadows stop fighting too. They begin to dissipate, and the sun begins to peek through. 

Let it be. Let it all be.