Let It Go
I have been bombarded with the message “let it go” ever since last Friday. Was it pure coincidence that these three words have become my mantra?Friday as I relaxed into a much-needed massage, I admitted to being frustrated and concerned about my ability to play the piano after such a long absence from practice. In looking for new music to play, I find I’m constantly saying, “That’s too hard for me.” I don’t want to be the one making mistakes when I play with other people. My massage therapist said, “Can’t you just let this go NOW?”
On the way to meditation this morning, I tuned in to WETA to hear Nicole Lacroix say that it was national “Let It Go Day”. Whoever heard of such a thing?
My wonderful yoga teacher in our class this evening repeatedly urged us to let go of the distractions that keep our hearts from shining forth. The practice of yoga is all about letting go and being with our breathing.
With all of these reminders I am working hard to give meaning to these words in my life. Old habits and an urge for perfection are hard to break. But if I’m to keep music in my life in a way that gives me pleasure, I will need to release the negative feelings associated with making mistakes and dwell on the joy of creating something beautiful with other people.
Is there something you need to let go?
posted by Barbara at 9:45 PM
13 Comments:
I need to let go of so much I almost wonder if there's anything I need to keep...
Today was the last day of my stats class and a huge paper is due. I know I have huge standards and there was one person of my team that is just... well... you can guess. At some point I was talking to another team member... and we both decided to just let it go and take the grade, whatever it is. Ok! I'm ready to PAR-tee!
I hope you're not letting go of the yogurt maker at the proper price. Some things are worth fighting for!
Kristin -- Hang onto your baking skills! Obama needs you!
Kelly -- Some things are just out of your control. Definitely let them go.
MC -- There is a happy ending to the yogurt maker saga. I found a woman on Craig's list who must not realize she is selling a collector's item and is willing to let it go for $15 + shipping. There are some honest souls out there still!
National Let It Go Day? Wow! Who knew?? Never heard of it, but I support it fully.
The acupuncturist I see is very much into the idea that old patterns can drop away anytime we're willing to let go. When i was angry with a friend last year, he said over and over again, "What is keeping you from forgiving her right now, this very second?"
My ex husband loved playing music that was "too hard" for him - beyond his technical ability. So sometimes he squeaked or squawked (he played the saxophone) - but the liveliness of his playing was so soulful and well awesome!!
You go girl. Play whatever music you feel like. Make a mistake? Who cares!! Yeah!
Oh lordy! The list of things to let go is at least equal to the list of things to do before I die (one of which is to let go of things that hold me down or back).
As usual, a thought provoking post. I see you are getting your own signs ;)
Reya -- I'm finding the trick with music (as with many other things) is discovering that point that divides possible from impossible. The best results are those that are in the possible segment approaching impossible. Like the Brahms sonata Deborah and I are playing now. Our teacher Bill has an uncanny way of knowing what music is just barely within our reach but will make us stretch. I need to stretch a little more today and in the next few weeks as we get ready for our yearly trip to Chautauqua.
Pauline -- I can't tell that much holds you back. You seem to be out there soaring with the birds most of the time when you aren't tending your garden on the ground.
Ha! Kristin's comment is similar to what I'm thinking...what shouldn't I let go of?
My job and a few (well, more than a few) extra pounds.
Or, maybe I need to let go of the thought that I need to lose those few pounds.
we got an 9.3/10 on the paper.
absolutely there is....
thanks for this Barbara
Kelly -- Congratulations! The team couldn't have been too shabby with an overall grade that high.
Steve -- I would like to meet you just the way you are.
Gewels -- You and about half the world would like to shed a few pounds. The other half is starving. Not too many people are content with their weight!
Lettuce -- We miss your quiet presence in the local Blogosphere. Please do come see us if you make a return trip to the US.
Oddly enough the thing that I thought I needed to let go of was actually good for me. Funny but once I let go of always being over scheduled and 'on the go' I realized that I seem to thrive in a state of 'doing'. In that I allow myself moments (or days of) reflection which seem to deepen my appreciation of life and love.
So letting go can make you realize the positive side of what you thought was a negative. Confusing enough?
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