Letting Go Works. Here’s How to Heal.

We’ve been journeying through the process of letting go. First, we defined the concept and how it could be helpful. Next, we turned to nature for ways to flow with letting go. Last week, we started talking about taking action.

Well, I’ve got news for you. Letting go actually happens. It can be quite healing. If you put in the work. Let’s dive in together!

A Four-Year Journey

In the past few posts, I’ve been opening up about my experiences as the president of the national holistic nursing organization. I finally shared how I felt after only being president for three short months.

Quick recap: It was a dream of mine to become president of this nursing group. In fact, I had to pinch myself the day the ballot came in, and it read “Elizabeth Scala, President.” WOW. I was filled with joy, gratitude, excitement, shock, enthusiasm, and even a little pride.

I was sworn in during the June 2021 conference. I took my role very seriously. And, unfortunately for me, the board of directors did not.

Some board members broke the circle, going outside of our group sharing private details with non-board members. Trust was broken. I was treated horrifically. And so, after only three months, I decided I had to step down.

I was devastated. Angry. Sad. Broken. Ruined. I felt extremely awful. My dreams were shattered. My role was over. I was beside myself; I didn’t know what to do.

All I knew was I was terribly hurt, and I felt a ton of pain.

Moving On through Yoga

Fast-forward four years. (Yikes. I have been holding onto this grief for four years. That’s a long time.)

This past fall, I have been facilitating a yoga program focused on the topics related to letting go. Each week, the students and I have been talking about various aspects of letting go and how it can be good for us.

Well, I listen to everything everyone shares. I’ve meditated on what’s been discussed. I journaled in my yoga notebook. And now, here’s the important thing, I have taken steps to move forward.

It’s one thing to just talk about letting go. It’s nice to think about it. Speak about it. Figure out ways to do it. But then you actually need to put one foot in front of the other. In order to heal, you actually have to take action.

Yoga can help. Stretching and breathing in the moment can help us release what we’ve been holding onto. On the mat, we let go. And what we practice on the mat can translate into real life, off the mat.

Letting Go Heals

Again, I’m not just teaching the students about this topic, I’m exploring it right along with them.

So, I made phone calls to people. I have talked with others who were present during my short presidency and who witnessed what happened to me. I wrote letters. Will I send them?

I don’t know.

Sending something is an extra step I’m not sure I am ready for (yet). However, in the simple action of putting pen to paper and writing down how I have been feeling for the past four years, I have let go of a lot.

I can breathe easier when I think about the situation. I don’t clench my jaw (or my fists) when I think about these people who broke the trust. I don’t feel sick to my stomach when I remember how nasty they treated me.

Letting go helps us be kind to ourselves.

Letting Go Can Help

I often wonder if the feelings we have towards others are really the feelings we have towards ourselves.

Part of the pain I have been holding onto for four years was shame. This is the FIRST TIME I am publicly talking about this. Part of the emotions I have been harboring for four years have been the criticisms I have about myself.

Was I weak? Could I have stuck it out? What would have happened if I didn’t step down? Am I loser? A quitter? A fraud?

Well, I can tell you, now that I have been facing this challenge head on and actually sharing about it (and sharing how I felt/feel), I actually feel better.

I am not a loser. I did the right thing for me and my health at the time (these people were making me break out in hives and I was losing sleep over how mean they were being!). I am not a quitter. I am not a fraud.

Letting go has helped me feel better about the situation and myself.

Take Steps. Do the Work.

Only you can take the steps in your own healing journey. You have to put in the work in order to feel better.

Sure, I can encourage you along the way. I can even give tips or make suggestions. I share my experiences with you as a hope that it inspires you to let go of whatever you’ve been holding onto.

But only you can do the work in your own life. Only you can take one step at a time towards feeling better.

So, get out there and get moving. Pick up a pen. Write down how you feel. Talk to someone. Share your truth.

Be yourself and love who you are for exactly as you are.

You are your own best self.

What do you think? Have you had to let go of anything? If so, how did it go? Any other tips to add to the above??

And, of course, we’d love to see you in a future class! Check out our yoga schedule and sign up for a future program.

About the Author: Elizabeth Scala MSN/MBA, RN, RYT (200) is a holistic nurse, registered yoga instructor, and reiki master.

Elizabeth received her dual master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. She is a certified coach, nature lover, and avid meditator.

Elizabeth lives in Maryland with her supportive husband and playful pups. She enjoys gardening, jigsaw puzzles, baking, music, and hiking.