Letting Go: The Art of Flying Free

Have you ever felt stuck, holding onto something that no longer serves you—maybe a job, a relationship, a belief, or even a physical space like your home? Letting go can feel like standing on the edge of a cliff, looking out into the unknown and wondering if you’ll fall or fly. But here’s the truth: in every moment of holding on, you’re also holding back from the joy and freedom waiting on the other side.

One of my favorite ways to understand this is to imagine yourself as a trapeze artist. We discussed this concept recently in the Authentic Living Circle—our community where we dive deep into what it means to live mindfully and authentically. The trapeze artist clings to one bar but can’t reach the next until she lets go. And that moment in between? That’s the leap of faith, the surrender, the trusting in the invisible net that’s there to catch you. You have to open your hands before your next grip can close.

In one of our Circle Hours, a student shared a beautiful twist on this metaphor. Instead of the trapeze, she imagined herself at a pool’s edge. To reach the opposite side, she must let go of the wall. Then another student added that in that moment of moving through the water, taking a deep breath creates a floating feeling. It’s not just about dropping what holds you down—it’s also about the breath that carries you forward. This deep breath becomes a gentle propulsion that changes fear into calm and motion into grace.

This awareness sparked something real and practical for living our life joyfully. One of the Authentic Living Circle participants recognized she’d been struggling to release things cluttering her home—not just physical stuff, but also the weight of attachment and uncertainty and of feeling unproductive. With the pool analogy and the power of mindful breath, she found a way to let go that felt freeing, even joyful. She wasn’t just releasing objects; she was releasing old stories, guilt, and resistance. This is the kind of healing that happens when you sit in community, share openly, and hold space for each other.

Letting go isn’t easy. It asks us to be vulnerable, to loosen shame and secrets that keep us tied tightly to what is familiar—even if it doesn’t serve our wellbeing. But when you practice this trust—like the trapeze artist or the swimmer—you open yourself to growth, expansion, and a deep sense of peace. It’s a practice rooted in present-moment awareness, supported by spiritual tools like gentle yoga, meditation, and prayer that ground you back in your body and your breath when fear tries to sneak in.

If you’re wondering where to begin, start by asking yourself: What am I holding on to that’s no longer helping me? Then, commit to being gentle and patient with yourself in the process of letting go. Take time to breathe deeply. Notice what it feels like to release a little at a time. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone.

If you want to explore this journey in a supportive, mindful space, consider joining the Authentic Living Circle. It’s a place where vulnerability is welcomed, where stories unfold and healing begins, where you’ll find practical guidance and heartfelt community for exactly the kind of letting go that’s stirring within you.

You can also try incorporating simple meditation or gentle yoga to cultivate presence and soothe anxiety during uncertain moments. Stress relief isn’t about escaping discomfort—it’s about learning to be with it and finding your center again. Whether you’re easing into a chair yoga class or joining a group meditation, these practices help you trust your inner guidance and connect to your breath—the very tool that can carry you across to the other side.

At the heart of it all is this: letting go is an act of faith, a breath of freedom, and a step toward your truest, most radiant self. What would it look like to take that leap this week? What would happen if you trusted the space in between enough to let yourself float on your breath toward whatever new joy is waiting for you?

To explore more about mindful living and the deep healing power of community, take a look at our calendar and find a class, circle, or meditation that calls to you. When you’re ready, you won’t be holding on alone. You’ll be flying free—one breath, one step, one letting go at a time.