In autumn, mid-Missouri bursts into a rich array of red, orange and yellow. Leaves flame brilliantly before falling to the ground, shed at the end of their lifespan. Part of the cycle of renewal, it’s a universal principle to which all living things adhere; in order to grow, we must release something.
This is true of the human body, which continuously remakes itself at the cellular level. And it is also true of our psyches. If we want to evolve into better versions of ourselves, we must let go of inner baggage.
The Reverend Connie L. Habash says, “We are in a constant process of integrating new information, perceptions, and ideas as we realize that old ways of doing things no longer work.”
In order to grow, we must release something
Holding on to anything is like holding onto your breath. You will suffocate. The only way to get anything in the physical universe is by letting go of it. Let it go and it will be yours forever. ~ Deepak Chopra
Fall reminds us of the out-moded parts of ourselves we need to release. Letting go allows us to sprout new ideas, improve skills, deepen our relationships and grow on our spiritual paths. Like a cluttered closet piled high with clothes that may have been desirable when we purchased them, if we will never wear them again, they’re simply a burden in our closet. Or a habit that was once crucial to our success–if it has outlived its effectiveness, it may even keep us from realizing new goals.
We release our grip on what holds us back; possessions, fears, expectations, destructive relationships, behavior patterns, rigid beliefs. “The old ways, however, don’t need to be tossed into the trash,” says Rev. Habash. “On the contrary, like the leaves that drop from the trees, they can serve as the foundation for new growth and fuel for renewal.”
Old ways of doing things no longer work
When we let go, we create space for better things to enter our life. ~ tiny buddha
Every layered experience fulfills a purpose in our development. For example, the egocentric worldview of a toddler helps establish a healthy self-image. Though they outgrow self-absorption to focus outward, they have learned to meet their own needs. Similarly, the skills used to learn and implement obsolete computer programming languages can be applied to designing new ones. We take what we’ve learned, digest it, retain what is useful and expel what isn’t.
It’s unnecessary for trees to hoard dead leaves, trying to save up for next year. Nature provides the nutrients needed to create new and abundant foliage in the spring. In fact, it is the releasing of old leaves to the earth that provides the compost for nourishing the soil. Hanging on to what is dead hinders the ability for new, stronger buds to open.
Leaves serve as the foundation for new growth and fuel for renewal
This season, we might take stock and decide what we want to hold on to, and what we want to let go of. It may necessitate making changes. Letting go of what no longer serves a specific purpose may require forgiveness, courage, or honesty. But it doesn’t mean losing anything. All experiences are integrated as wisdom into our minds, bodies, and our very souls. When we let go of clinging to the past, we are able to become a new version of ourselves: the self we are today.
Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop. ~ Rumi
