Dearheart,
We spend a lot of our time trying to gain control in our lives. It might be through organising our day, trying to influence our relationships or managing our diet. I think we’ve reached a point as human beings where being in control is perceived as synonymous with being better as a people. The more in control you are, the more your life must be on the right track.
That’s not always the case, however. While it’s important to strive for meaningful goals + to live fully + wholly + with a LOT of heart, if we start to convert this into a need for control then we’re going to get ourselves into trouble.
I’ve had to learn this balance over the course of my adult life. Being someone who is heavily motivated by goal achievement + getting a balance across all areas of life (or areas of focus as I call them – I go into more detail on this in my blissful community) it’s quite easy to get overtly regimented. If I’m not careful I can plan every last minute of a day from the moment the alarm goes off until I fall asleep, + that isn’t necessarily the healthiest approach to achieving goals + getting things done in a blissful + joyful way.
I’m not suggesting that we give up on our goals + effectively leave it entirely down to the universe but getting the best of both worlds. Allowing ourselves to control certain things + let go with others.
My number one tip to let go of control is to allow yourself to be led by somebody else.
As a kundalini yoga teacher I’m used to holding the space in my classes. The ebb + the flow of the experience is guided by the teachings that I pass onto my students. There’s a certain amount of control + presence required to create a space in which change can happen.
One of my favourite things to do is to let somebody else teach me. To entirely let go of the concept of being the teacher. To let go of the natural sense of control that comes with that. To be lead, wholeheartedly, by somebody else.
Sometimes it’s a kundalini yoga class but it doesn’t have to be. I take any opportunity to be led by others that arises. Recently I went on holiday + tried every exercise class I could that the hotel’s gym offered. Not particularly to get fit, but to have a different experience of being lead by somebody else. To let go. To follow.
There is something calming + grounding about giving yourself over to somebody else. You’re not in the driving seat but you’re going along for the ride. As you’re not driving, you can notice the scenery. You can spot things you never would have otherwise noticed. You can be in the moment of the experience. You can let go.
Why not try being led by somebody else this week?
P.S. Don’t forget there’s only 7 days left to fill out my 5 minute survey – one respondent will win an annual subscription into my online community worth $60! Share your thoughts now!
P.P.S If you are local to Berkhamsted, why not sign up for my gong relaxation on 18th July? Perfect way to spend an hour + enjoy deep relaxation for just £10!