I’m curious: how did you get on with the eightieth birthday test? It can be a really useful tool for cutting through to what really matters – and even choosing when it’s time to let go of old ‘stuff’.
But sometimes, even if we want to let something go, it can still hang around. And fortunately there’s a really simple technique you can use, to send it on its way. Interested?
“When it’s time to let go of an old habit, belief or thought pattern – or a memory from the past – all you need to do is grab your imaginary scissors….”
The past – be it habits, beliefs or memories – can feel like it is tied to us with invisible bits of string. No matter how often we tell it we are done with it, it can pop back and keep us stuck.
So here’s my favourite 30 second process for finally letting go.
- Firstly, you need to notice and acknowledge that the old pattern, habit, belief or memory is still around.
- Then, rather than rejecting it, it’s important to accept it – not to resist. That doesn’t mean indulging in it, but if you’re pushing it away, then you can’t work with it in the next stage.
- It really helps to be able to say thank you to it. It doesn’t mean you have to feel happy about it or pretend that that old experience was ok, but everything we experience can be used for our growth and learning, at some level. You might choose to imagine you can talk to this old thought, belief, habit or memory and perhaps say something like:
“Even though I might not fully understand why you were part of my life, I thank you for however it was you were trying to help me. Now I choose to let go and move on. Our work together is done.”
- Then imagine you can see the invisible cord of energy, connecting you to that old belief / memory. Take your big imaginary scissors and cut that cord – all the way through. Fill both ends with love, as they melt away. Then allow that old habit / belief to drift away, gone and finished.
- If it ever comes back, repeat the process. When you cut the ties, you are making a choice to let go and release. Any return (if it happens) will be milder. It rarely takes more than two or three goes to let go completely. One is usually enough. If you find you’re holding on to the old issue, you can always check it against the Eightieth Birthday Test. That normally sorts things out!
Wishing you a day full of sunshine and laughter.
Namaste,
Clare
This article is an excerpt from The Little Book Of Daily Sunshine by Clare Josa.