‘Let it Go’ Is the Worst Spirituality Advice Ever
Why ‘Let It Go’ Is the Worst Platitude for Emotional Healing and Personal Growth
In the world of spirituality and personal growth, few phrases are as ubiquitous as “let it go.” It’s a mantra repeated in yoga classes, meditation sessions, and self-help books. But despite its popularity, “let it go” might be the worst spirituality platitude ever. Here’s why.
On the surface, “let it go” appears to be sound advice. It implies the release of negative emotions, past traumas, and unhelpful thoughts. However, this phrase often oversimplifies the intricate process of emotional healing. Letting go isn’t a simple switch you can flip; it’s a complex journey that demands time, effort, and, at times, professional support.
True healing involves acknowledging and processing emotions, not just dismissing them. When we pack our feelings and emotions away, we risk invalidating them. It’s akin to putting a band-aid on a deep wound. Real growth comes from understanding and integrating our experiences, not from sweeping them under the rug.
This can also create pressure to conform to an ideal of constant positivity and can be particularly harmful in a culture that already stigmatizes negative emotions. How often have you heard someone say, “It’s fine. We’re good. It’s no big deal” when faced with a traumatic incident like a bad breakup or losing a loved one? By insisting on letting go, we inadvertently encourage emotional suppression, which can lead to more significant issues down the line, like increased stress, weakened immune system, or sleep issues.
The Courage to Face Emotions
It takes guts to examine why things hurt us. Asking questions, speaking thoughts out loud, and feeling the feelings are paramount to growth and healing. We all want to expedite through pain and healing and reach the end as fast as possible. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Along with guts, it requires showing up, doing the work, and understanding that each day is different. You might feel like you’re going backward, not forward. There is no straight line to healing.
By facing, processing, and understanding our emotions, we gain valuable insights into the patterns that shape our behaviors. This self-awareness empowers us to identify recurring themes and triggers that may have previously led us to make unhelpful decisions. With this knowledge, we can consciously choose new and healthier responses, breaking free from old, detrimental habits. This process fosters personal growth and enhances our ability to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and wisdom. Embracing our emotions in this way transforms them from obstacles into powerful tools for positive change and self-improvement.
Instead of letting go, what if we embraced acceptance? Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means acknowledging reality as it is. This approach aligns more closely with mindfulness practices, emphasizing observing our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Acceptance allows us to hold space for our emotions, giving them the attention they deserve.
Practical Steps Towards Healing
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: Start by recognizing and naming your emotions. This simple act can be mighty.
- Seek Support: Whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted friends, find a safe space to explore your feelings.
- Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices that encourage presence and awareness, such as meditation or mindful breathing.
- Embrace Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself. Healing is a process; taking it one step at a time is okay.
The phrase “let it go” may be well-intentioned, but it often falls short of addressing the true nature of emotional healing. Instead of offering a quick fix, we should strive for a deeper understanding and acceptance of our emotions. This journey requires patience, courage, and self-compassion. By embracing our feelings and seeking support, we can navigate the complexities of our inner world with grace and resilience. In doing so, we honor our experiences and pave the way for genuine transformation.
Maybe everything that frightens you is something helpless that needs your love.
— Andrew H. Housley
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