It's that time of the year, when we come to the end of December and begin our review of all that has transpired over the past 12 months. Reflecting on what went well, and what didn't. Identifying what we want to bring into the new year from the last 12 months, and what we might want to let go of.
This is a great time to create a ritual for letting go, but I would encourage you to incorporate it into your weekly, if not daily reflections. This ritual is transformative, a great way to clear our minds and make room for what we want to focus on.
Here's how to do it:
Create the space
Before getting started, choose a quiet and comfortable area where you can be undisturbed. Consider incorporating elements such as candles or soothing music to enhance the ambiance and create a sense of tranquility.
Be aware of your emotional space - this isn't a practice that you should do if you are feeling strong negative emotions. This is a practice best done when you can be in a neutral or positive place emotionally. Nonjudgmental awareness is key here.
Begin
Begin by reflecting on the aspects of your life that no longer serve you. Think back over the past weeks or months and see what comes up. This could be negative thought patterns, uncomfortable emotions, unmet expectations, or even physical possessions. Take the time to identify these elements, acknowledging their presence in your life.
Breathe
This work can be draining, so take a moment here to center yourself with a mindful breathing exercise. Inhale deeply, allowing positive energy to fill your lungs, and exhale, releasing tension and negativity. As you breathe, visualize yourself letting go of the burdens that no longer serve you.
The Power of Writing
The act of writing something down is so powerful and declarative. Create a list of the things you wish to release, whether they are tangible or intangible. Be honest and specific about each item, emotion, or expectation. This act of acknowledgment is a crucial step toward liberation.
Take a Symbolic Action
Incorporate symbolic actions into your ritual to deepen the impact. For example, you could light a candle and watch as the flame consumes a written list of things you want to let go. Or, consider using a physical object, like a stone, to represent the weight you are releasing, then physically discard or bury it.
I use both of these in different ways. I like to write down expectations or negative encounters that do not serve me and then release them by throwing the list into my outdoor fire pit. Other times, I will go for a walk near a pond or at the beach and through a stone into the water to release something that no longer serves me.
Affirmations
Write out some positive affirmations to counteract the negative thoughts and expectations you are releasing. Repeat these affirmations aloud or write them down, anchoring in the idea that you are moving toward a more aligned path.
Gratitude
Take a moment to express gratitude for the lessons learned from the things you are letting go. Recognize that these experiences have shaped you, but it is now time to move forward unencumbered.
Wrap up
This ritual can be powerful, especially if you incorporate it into a weekly or monthly practice. As you release the weight of negativity, discomfort, unmet expectations, and all else that might be dragging you down, you create the path for a brighter and more authentic version of yourself to emerge.