Relax, Release, Let Go

We just returned from our annual October retreat in Texas—three days teaching at Texas Yoga Retreat in Austin and three days of R&R in Dallas. What a delight to take some time to get away! How wonderful to relax, release and let go for a time.

You don’t have to go to Texas (or anywhere else!) in order to have a time of retreat. Retreat is not a place, but a state of mind. Here are some ideas to create an oasis of peace in your life today:

RELAX: When you relax you slow down, maybe by walking a little slower, paying attention more, or just sitting still to catch your breath. Where are you going in such a hurry anyway? I always chuckle at those drivers who are moving their vehicle at breakneck speeds, darting around the other cars only to land at the very same light I must stop at while driving the speed limit. Take your time and you’ll enjoy the journey so much more.

RELEASE: Notice those places in your body where you are carrying tension. Consciously release that tension through breathing, easy movement or gentle stretching. (Have you tried Yoga?!) You might let your inquiries go deeper to consider where this tension is coming from and what contributes to its continuing presence in your body. By being quiet and curious you can get to the source and release that tension for good.

LET GO: Yes, there are many bad things going on in the world today. Yes, we all have opinions about them. Yes, we’re going to hear all about it on the news and social media. But what benefit do these conversations, worries and accusations serve? Each of us is responsible for certain things in our own life, family, work and community. And there are specific actions we can take that will move things forward. By letting go of the things we have no control over—and that’s A LOT of things—we not only reduce stress but also free up energy for the good things we can do.

Relax, release, let go. I hope you’ll give it a try today.