I'm a bilingual yoga teacher who helps people who sit a lot gain mobility, move without pain and reduce their stress.
Why letting go feels like betrayal
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Hey there, I wanted to share something that came up in my latest podcast episode. It's a question that I think many of us millennials can relate to: How do we let go of something without feeling like we abandon it? A client beautifully expressed this struggle: holding onto clothes from happier times, pushing herself beyond exhaustion for “better” results, or clinging to activities she no longer has time for. She fears that letting go means abandoning or betraying these meaningful parts of her lives. Here's what I’ve learned from yoga, psychology and my own experience: letting go isn't abandonment, it's transmutation. Your favorite jumper from university isn't just fabric, it's a vessel for memories and emotions that are already integrated within you. The happy times, the growth, the connections... they live through you now, not through the object. It's possible to honour what these things brought us before choosing to keep the essence while freeing the form. When I moved to a new place last year, I wanted a fresh start. And so I spent a lot of time in the minimalist corner of YouTube to learn how to let go of stuff. I found one approach particularly helpful here. Take a moment with that object or unrealised dream. Revisit the memories, thank that chapter of your life, then consciously choose to carry forward the meaning while releasing the physical or mental attachment. Some people also like to keep a photo of the object or journal about the experience. As for the abandoned hobbies or unmet ideals, ask yourself: How can I honor the energy that drew me there in a new form? Maybe your taste or your priorities have changed. You are not the same person you used to be, but it doesn't mean your creativity has disappeared. It has simply evolved, adapting to who you are now. Mature letting go recognises that you already carry all the treasures these experiences gave you. You don’t lose them by changing their expression. This is another area where "a little, often" works beautifully. It helps us to release what no longer serves us to create space for what does, without the guilt. Om, peace 🧡 Clem P.S.: I’d love to hear from you: What have you struggled to let go of? How did you (or how might you) honour its value while releasing its form? |
Clémence Dieryck
I'm a bilingual yoga teacher who helps people who sit a lot gain mobility, move without pain and reduce their stress.
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