Letting go. It’s a phrase we hear often, yet so few of us truly understand what it means—let alone how to practice it. In my many years as both a medical doctor and naturopathic physician, I’ve seen firsthand how tightly we cling to thoughts, habits, emotions, and expectations that no longer serve us. These attachments weigh us down—not just mentally and emotionally, but physically as well.
Letting go is not about giving up. It’s about setting yourself free.
Whether it’s a past hurt, a future fear, or a present frustration, learning to release the grip we have on what we cannot control is one of the most profound healing tools we can embrace. And this isn’t just philosophical—it’s biological. Our bodies carry the imprints of our emotional experiences. Stress, resentment, anxiety, and grief can manifest as pain, fatigue, or even chronic illness when left unaddressed.
As Rumi once said,
“Let go of your worries and be completely clear-hearted, like the face of a mirror that contains no images.”
This article is your invitation to do just that—to soften your grip on what’s heavy and make space for what’s light. We’ll walk through ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical guidance so you can begin the sacred, empowering act of letting go.
Are you ready to begin?
What Is ‘Letting Go’?
Letting go is not about forgetting the past or ignoring your emotions. It’s about changing your relationship with them. It’s a spiritual and psychological practice of loosening the mental and emotional grip we have on specific desires, expectations, and outcomes.
In simple terms: letting go means accepting what is.
We spend so much of our energy trying to control life—trying to change people, rewrite our past, or predict the future. This resistance causes suffering. Letting go invites us to release that resistance and meet the present moment with openness and grace.
It is not apathy or passivity. Rather, it’s a courageous act of mindfulness.
When we let go, we shift from clinging to trusting. We begin to understand that peace does not come from everything going our way. Peace comes when we stop fighting against reality and instead allow life to unfold as it will—with clarity, intention, and compassion.
From a holistic medical standpoint, this mindset affects our entire being. The parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s “rest and restore” mode—activates more easily when we release stress-inducing thoughts and emotions. That means better digestion, deeper sleep, improved immunity, and greater emotional balance.
So when we talk about letting go, we’re not just talking about emotional healing—we’re talking about whole-body healing. And that, dear reader, is the foundation for a life of true wellness.
Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Psychology
Long before the term “letting go” became a staple of self-help books and wellness podcasts, ancient traditions like Daoism and Buddhism taught the art of unattachment. These philosophies didn’t just encourage people to release pain or negative emotions—they emphasized the importance of releasing all attachments, even to pleasure and success.
In Daoist thought, letting go means aligning with the natural flow of life—Wu Wei, or effortless action. Rather than forcing outcomes or resisting change, we are encouraged to offer no resistance and trust that everything is unfolding exactly as it should. This brings a deep sense of peace and balance.
Buddhism similarly teaches that our suffering stems from attachment—to people, possessions, identities, and outcomes. The more we cling, the more we suffer. By practicing detachment, or what I call emotional spaciousness, we allow life to move through us like a river, without getting stuck in any one moment.
Modern psychology has finally caught up with this timeless wisdom.
Today, letting go is closely associated with therapeutic concepts like:
- Acceptance – Recognizing reality without resistance
- Forgiveness – Releasing resentment toward ourselves and others
- Self-compassion – Meeting ourselves with kindness, even when we fall short
- Psychological flexibility – Being open to new ways of thinking, feeling, and being
- Gratitude – Shifting focus from what’s missing to what’s already present
Letting go doesn’t mean you won’t still feel disappointment or sadness. It means you won’t be imprisoned by them.
Whether you approach this from a spiritual perspective or a psychological one, the result is the same: more peace, less suffering, and a life that feels lighter and more aligned.
What’s in Your Emotional Backpack
We all carry an invisible backpack through life. And while we can’t see it, we can certainly feel its weight.
This emotional backpack is filled with what we call baggage—the unresolved pain, grief, trauma, and disappointments we’ve collected over the years. Many of us are so used to its presence that we don’t even realize how much it’s affecting our energy, health, and relationships.
So what’s in your backpack?
- A painful childhood memory?
- A betrayal that still stings?
- The echo of words that made you feel small?
- Regret over a path not taken?
- A grudge that continues to fuel anger?
These unresolved experiences take up emotional real estate and affect your physical well-being more than you might realize. As a holistic physician, I’ve seen chronic conditions—like fatigue, migraines, digestive disorders, and even autoimmune flares—improve when a patient begins to emotionally unpack and process these burdens.
Emotional clutter creates internal chaos. And chaos is the enemy of healing.
One of the first steps in letting go is simply identifying what you’re still holding onto. Journaling can be a powerful tool here. Ask yourself:
- What past experiences still evoke strong emotions?
- Who or what am I still trying to change or control?
- Is there something I’m afraid to face because it hurts too much?
Awareness is the key that unlocks the door to freedom.
When you bring what’s hidden into the light, you begin the process of healing. And as you slowly empty that backpack, you make room for something much better—peace, clarity, and joy.
Self-Care as a Letting Go Practice
Letting go isn’t just something you do with your mind—it’s something you embody in the way you care for yourself. Self-care is a powerful, active form of release. It says, “I choose to prioritize my well-being over the stories, habits, and hurts that weigh me down.”
Often, we get caught in the idea that self-care is indulgent. But true self-care isn’t bubble baths and scented candles—though those can be lovely. True self-care is:
- Accepting yourself exactly as you are, without needing to be “fixed”
- Forgiving yourself for the things you didn’t know, say, or do
- Releasing the pressure to be perfect, productive, or pleasing
- Allowing joy into your life, even when things feel heavy
One of my favorite affirmations is:
“I take care of me—and in doing so, I take care of everything else.”
When you give yourself the grace to rest, reflect, and restore, you naturally begin to loosen your grip on the people and situations you can’t control. You stop pushing against the current of life and instead begin to float with it.
You may also find it helpful to practice gratitude—not as a forced exercise, but as a gentle redirection of your focus. Gratitude helps shift you from “what I lack” to “what I have.” And in that space, letting go feels not like a loss, but a liberation.
Here are a few simple ways to start:
- Keep a “thankful for today” journal
- Spend 5 minutes outside, breathing in stillness
- Speak kindly to yourself in the mirror
- Laugh—deeply, freely, even at the little things
These acts may seem small, but they create powerful shifts in your nervous system, your mindset, and your heart.
Remember: Letting go is not a single decision—it’s a daily practice. Self-care makes that practice sustainable.
When Emotions Get Messy—How to Handle Unpleasant Feelings
Let’s be honest—no one likes uncomfortable emotions. Whether it’s sadness, anger, guilt, or fear, our first instinct is often to numb, avoid, or distract.
That glass of wine. That bag of chips. That endless scroll on your phone. These coping mechanisms are common, but they don’t help us heal. They help us hide. And what we resist… persists.
Here’s what I want you to know as both your doctor and your guide:
Your feelings are not the enemy. Your resistance to them is.
The truth is, emotions are temporary waves of energy in the body. Neuroscience confirms that when a feeling arises, the biochemical reaction in the brain and body typically lasts only 60 to 90 seconds. That’s it. But when we judge, suppress, or dwell on it, we extend the suffering.
Instead of shutting down or running away, try this:
🌊 Feel It to Heal It
- Notice the physical sensation—tight chest, fluttering belly, clenched jaw.
- Name the emotion—“This is frustration,” or “This is sadness.”
- Breathe through it—Inhale deeply, exhale slowly.
- Watch it like a wave—It will rise, crest, and fall.
Emotions are felt first in the body, not in the brain. That pit in your stomach or the lump in your throat? That’s where healing begins. By allowing the emotion to complete its cycle, you give yourself emotional strength and build resilience.
And here’s something beautiful: the more you allow yourself to feel, the more confident you become in your ability to move through life’s storms without being swept away.
So the next time discomfort arises, remember:
You don’t have to fix it.
You don’t have to fight it.
You only have to feel it—and let it move through.
What Are Emotional Triggers—and How Can You Ride Them Out?
Have you ever heard a song, smelled a familiar scent, or seen a place—and suddenly, without warning, you’re overwhelmed with emotion?
That’s a trigger.
Triggers are reminders—often unconscious—that stir up old wounds, fears, or memories. They can come from anything: a word, a voice, a gesture, even silence. And when they strike, they can make us feel like we’ve lost control. But here’s the empowering truth:
Emotions are not permanent—and you are not powerless.
Most emotional triggers begin as bodily sensations. Your nervous system detects a perceived threat (even if it’s just a memory), and in milliseconds, your body reacts: faster heartbeat, shallow breath, tension. But like any wave, these sensations are temporary—usually lasting no more than 90 seconds.
The key is to observe, not absorb.
🌀 How to Ride the Wave of a Trigger:
- Pause. Don’t react right away. Just notice.
- Name it. “I feel tightness in my chest. I’m feeling anxious.”
- Breathe through it. Slow, steady breathing calms the body’s alarm system.
- Let it pass. Visualize the emotion like a cloud drifting by or a wave rising and falling.
- Reflect. Ask yourself: What might this moment be trying to teach me?
Avoiding triggers might offer temporary relief, but surfing them builds long-term resilience. When we lean into our discomfort with curiosity instead of judgment, we take our power back.
You don’t have to be afraid of your emotions.
You just need to remember they are visitors—not permanent residents.
Let them come.
Let them go.
Let yourself grow.
Reinforcing the Positive
Letting go isn’t only about releasing what’s heavy. It’s also about making space for what’s light, bright, and life-giving.
When we loosen our mental and emotional fixations, we don’t become empty—we become open. This openness allows us to experience greater health, joy, and inner peace.
You’ve probably heard the phrase: “Where attention goes, energy flows.” When you intentionally direct your focus toward the positive, you begin to see beauty and goodness everywhere: in people, in nature, in your daily interactions, and within yourself.
🌼 Ways to Reinforce the Positive:
- See the Goodness in others and in yourself, even in small actions.
- Bring Light into All You Do, approaching each task with mindfulness and gratitude.
- Feel Your Blessings. Don’t just list them—let yourself fully experience gratitude for them.
- Turn Negatives into Positives by reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.
This doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties or pretending pain doesn’t exist. It means you are choosing not to let the negative overshadow the good.
From a holistic medical perspective, this practice of positivity directly impacts your well-being. Studies consistently show that gratitude and positive thinking can:
- Lower stress hormones
- Improve immune function
- Enhance cardiovascular health
- Boost emotional resilience
In your daily life, you might start by:
- Writing down three things you’re grateful for each day.
- Smiling at a stranger or offering a kind word.
- Spending a moment in nature, noticing the details.
- Saying “thank you” to your body for all it does to support you.
Remember, positivity is not denial; it’s a conscious redirection. By reinforcing the positive, you train your mind and body to live in a state of openness, appreciation, and peace—key ingredients in the practice of letting go.
Acceptance and Commitment—A Path Forward
Letting go is not a one-time event—it is a living practice of acceptance, commitment, and presence.
You might wonder: “What happens after I let go of what’s holding me back?” The answer is: you begin to live with intention, clarity, and alignment with your core values.
Acceptance does not mean passive resignation. It means seeing things as they are, without unnecessary resistance. Commitment means taking purposeful action aligned with what truly matters to you.
Together, acceptance and commitment form a powerful pathway to peace and purposeful living.
🛤️ Six Steps to Practice Acceptance and Commitment:
- Defuse – Let go of negative thoughts. Notice them, name them, and release them without judgment.
- Expand – Make room for discomfort. Allow unpleasant feelings to exist without trying to push them away.
- Connect – Anchor in the present moment. Use mindfulness to return to “right now,” where your power lies.
- Observe – Cultivate self-awareness. Become the observer of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations, without getting swept away.
- Align – Reconnect with your core values. What matters most to you? Kindness? Growth? Connection? Let these guide your choices.
- Commit – Take aligned action. Act with intention, making decisions based on your values rather than fear or habit.
These steps are not meant to replace medical or therapeutic care, but they are powerful companions to it. Working with a mental health coach, holistic physician, or wellness counselor can help you deepen this practice, providing the support and guidance needed to fully embrace this path.
As you move forward, remember:
- Letting go creates space for something new.
- Acceptance brings peace with what is.
- Commitment brings clarity to what will be.
You are not stuck. You are in the process of becoming.
Final Thoughts—Finding Peace in the Release
Letting go is not about erasing your past or forcing yourself to “just move on.” It is about changing your relationship with what has happened so you can step fully into the present with lightness, clarity, and peace.
It is about honoring your experiences without letting them define you. It is about allowing emotions to come and go without gripping onto them. It is about choosing to live aligned with your values rather than your fears.
This is a daily, compassionate practice—a journey, not a destination.
As Deepak Chopra says:
“In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself.”
And what a beautiful discovery that is.
By letting go:
- You free your body from the heaviness of unprocessed emotions.
- You allow your mind to find clarity.
- You open your spirit to joy, gratitude, and peace.
- You reclaim your energy for the things that truly matter.
If you find yourself struggling with this process, remember that support is available. Whether it’s working with a holistic physician, wellness coach, or mental health counselor, you do not have to navigate this journey alone.
Your healing is worth the effort. Your peace is worth the practice. Your life is worth living lightly.
Take a deep breath.
Exhale fully.
Let go—one breath, one moment, one choice at a time.
You are ready.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
If you are ready to embrace letting go as a path toward whole-body health and emotional freedom, I invite you to explore the holistic services we offer at Integrative Healing at OM in Spring Hill, including:
- Naturopathic Medicine
- IV Nutrition & Chelation
- W-holistic Nutritional Counseling
- PureBioEnergy Healing
- Wellness Life Coaching
Together, we can create a plan that supports your journey toward peace and well-being.
📞 To schedule a consultation:
Mary Taclik, Medical Assistant to Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh
Email: Mary@IntegrativeHealingatOM.com
Phone: 352-254-8090
Website: www.IntegrativeHealingatOM.com
source https://wellcomeomcenter.com/letting-go-the-healing-power-of-releasing-what-no-longer-serves-you/
