Spiritual Growth Through Letting Go: Discover the Power of Simplicity
Let go of what's holding you back and create space for what truly matters
The spiritual path, as Meister Eckhart observed, has more to do with subtraction than with addition. It is not so much a matter of adding all the active virtues to one’s practice of living as of relinquishing everything that can possibly be abandoned. How much can you leave behind?
— Belden C. Lane
This quote prompted me to reflect on what I need to let go of, but … do I have the courage to do so? I keep talking about wanting to let go, but I get stuck hanging on with clenched fists. Is that you as well?
Why do we hang on to the anger, bitterness, sadness, and/or …?
Many of us turn to spiritual practices to help us let go, but they can also cloud the journey, creating an illusion that transformation must be built or earned.
What if the spiritual path isn’t about becoming more, but becoming less? What if it’s about subtracting, not adding?
There is a suggestion in the quote that holiness isn’t the result of accumulation, but of letting go. It’s not about doing more good, but letting go of the need to prove you’re good.
The deeper question is: how badly or how willing are you to let go?
The illusion of accumulation
Let’s face it, we live in a self-improvement-obsessed culture. If you’re not thinking about how to be more productive, healthier, or grow spiritually, someone in your circle is. That’s because we’re constantly told we need to do, add, or be more. But … that can lead you to falling into a trap of collecting things—spiritual practices, books, and retreats as if they’re trophies.
All of that only feeds your ego.
There. I said it. The subliminal message is we’re not enough unless we’re constantly growing, achieving, or making ourselves “look” better. What if spiritual maturity doesn’t come from adding more, but peeling away?
When I was in seminary, one of the classes we took was specifically about this topic. The professor held up this very large fake diamond. She said, “This is the imago dei within you. Unfortunately, throughout life, things tend to pile on top of it — shame, anger, bitterness. Pretty soon, the imago dei gets buried.”
The wisdom of subtraction
This wisdom is found in nearly every spiritual tradition because holiness is created by emptying oneself. Buddha sat beneath the Bodhi tree in silence. Jesus went out into the wilderness for 40 days. The Desert Mothers and Fathers withdrew from society, seeking solitude and surrender.
These are all acts of subtraction. Each made intentional choices to let go of comfort, control, and identity, and in the process, they discovered something greater — clarity, peace, and holiness.
What do you need to let go of?
You don’t have to go out to the desert because letting go happens in everyday life, but … before you can let go, you need to notice what you’re carrying.
Outside distractions: Are you overcommitted? Is there too much clutter (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually)? Are you constantly feeling like you must prove yourself to someone (including yourself)
Inner distractions: What shame are you carrying? How much fear do you walk around with? Are you holding resentment or a need to be perfect?
False identities: Who do you think you are versus who you truly are?
When you let go of what was never meant for you, they no longer define you, and that equals freedom.
The courage to let go
For some, letting go will be easy and seamless. For some, it will be a bumpy ride. For all, it will be a process. You might encounter grief as you mourn what you thought you needed or who you thought you were.
Be gentle with yourself.
I promise, there is sacredness and beauty in the in-between of open hands.
Here’s why:
When you let go, you receive.
When you stop controlling, you trust.
When you stop performing, you become.
What no longer serves you?
Where are you still trying to add rather than subtract?
How will your identity evolve as you let go of what was?
Find a quiet place without distractions and get into a comfortable position. Close your eyes and breathe in for four counts. Hold it for seven counts. Exhale for eight counts.
Feel the weight of your body being held by the chair or floor you are resting upon. You are safe and supported.
Imagine carrying a large backpack. Feel the weight on your shoulders.
Within it are all the things you’ve picked up and carried along your journey — beliefs, roles, expectations, fears, responsibilities, and identities.
What does it feel like to carry it all?
Now, one by one, unpack the backpack.
As you begin the process, pull one out, asking yourself, “Do I still need this? Does it support my growth?”
Make two piles: no longer needed and life-giving.
As you place things in the first pile, release them with love.
Once you have unpacked everything, sit in the quiet. When you are ready, repack your backpack with the lifegiving items, putting it back on your shoulders.
How does it feel?
Affirmations
Repeat these affirmations out loud:
I do not need to carry things that don’t support me.
I am defined by love, not by what is left behind.
There is freedom in letting go, and peace as I surrender.
Inhale and exhale. When ready, open your eyes, feeling the expansiveness and lightness.
Make a list of the activities you do each day. For one day or one week, don’t engage in the activities that don’t support you.
Fast for one day from all media and connect with nature.
Say no to any obligations that are not life-giving.
May you feel the tenderness and lightness that comes with the courage to release and let go of those things that no longer serve you. May you discover the sacred simplicity in each moment, allowing yourself to become fully present. May your empty hands be filled with peace. May the space you have created become a sanctuary for the divine.
May you know that you are loved because you matter.
May your soul be refreshed.
sdg