“Letting go is the path to liberation.” This familiar saying by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh has touched the hearts of many. But how do we let go? How do we free ourselves from suffering and the burdens of life? This article will help you discover the secrets to letting go in the way of Thich Nhat Hanh, guiding you towards a life of peace and happiness.
What is Letting Go?
Letting go, according to Thich Nhat Hanh, is not about giving up or forgetting. It is an act of mindfulness, an acceptance and release of what no longer serves our happiness. It is a way of living, an attitude to face a life full of changes.
Why Do We Need to Learn How to Let Go?
Life is full of unwanted things: failures, suffering, losses… Negative emotions such as anger, sadness, worry, and fear can easily overwhelm us. Instead of clinging to what has passed, letting go is a way to liberate ourselves from constraints and psychological burdens, allowing our souls to be at peace and light.
Letting Go According to Thich Nhat Hanh
Thich Nhat Hanh has offered helpful advice to help us learn to let go effectively:
1. Mindfulness:
- Mindfulness is the key to letting go. When we are mindful, we clearly recognize our emotions, thoughts, and actions, thereby making wise choices.
Remember: “Mindfulness is the only way to escape suffering. When you are mindful, you are fully present in this moment.” (Thich Nhat Hanh)
2. Forgiveness:
- Forgiveness is the way to free ourselves from the burdens of the past. When we forgive others, we also forgive ourselves at the same time.
Imagine: You are holding a heavy stone in your heart; that stone represents resentment and hatred. The more you hold onto that stone, the more tired and miserable you feel. Forgiveness is like dropping that stone, freeing yourself from burdens, allowing your soul to be at peace.
3. Gratitude:
- Gratitude is a way to help us focus on the good things in life. When we are grateful, we will feel happy and appreciate what we have.
Try this: Take time each day to write down things you are grateful for, from the smallest things like a delicious meal, a good night’s sleep, to bigger things like health, family, and friends.
4. Live Fully in the Present:
- The past is gone, the future has not yet come, only the present is real. When we live fully in the present, we will fully enjoy every moment of life, reducing worries and fears about the past or future.
Focus: Instead of being preoccupied with thinking about what has passed or what is to come, focus on the present moment. Listen to the sounds around you, feel your own breath, and fully enjoy what is happening.
Feel the Benefits of Letting Go
- Reduce stress: Letting go helps you free yourself from psychological burdens, reduce stress and anxiety, helping you live a lighter, more comfortable life.
- Increase happiness: When you let go of negative things, you will have more space for positive things, helping you feel happier and more fulfilled.
- Promote personal growth: Letting go is the beginning of positive changes. When you let go of what is no longer suitable, you will have the opportunity to welcome new and better things.
Story About Letting Go
Let’s listen to this story:
- A man was always busy with work, worrying about money and fame. He always felt tired and stressed. One day, he met an old monk. The monk asked him, “Do you want to be happy?” The man nodded. The monk said, “Let go of what is causing you pain, let go of the burdens on your shoulders, let go of what no longer serves your happiness.”
- The man followed the monk’s advice. He began to spend time for himself, seizing moments of happiness, focusing on the good things in life. Then he realized that life is not a race, happiness comes from within himself, from letting go of what is unnecessary.
Gratitude – The Key to a Peaceful Life
According to Vietnamese spiritual beliefs, gratitude is one of the important qualities that helps us live a peaceful and happy life. Gratitude helps us appreciate what we have, while creating positive energies, attracting more good things into life.
Remember: “Gratitude is the way to open our hearts to receive good things in life.” (Dr. Nguyen Kim Anh, Psychologist)
Conclusion
Letting go is a journey, a choice. Start with small steps, take time for yourself, be mindful of every breath, every emotion, every thought. Let go of what no longer serves your happiness, and you will feel peace, lightness, and joy in life.
Do you want to learn more secrets to living a peaceful, happy life? Contact us via phone number 0372888889 or visit us at 335 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi. We have a team of psychological counseling experts ready to accompany you on your journey to find happiness.