When Your Mind Can’t Let Go

When Your Mind Can’t Let Go

By Leo Babauta | Source

Posted on January 18, 2025

Sometimes your mind can get fixated on something, and it just won’t let go. For some people, this happens a lot — sometimes more than they realize.

How can you tell if your mind won’t let go of something? Some signs:

• You won’t let go of an argument
• You’re known for always wanting to be right
• You replay conversations in your mind, arguing internally
• You stew over an offense for a long time
• You hold grudges
• You get frustrated a lot because things aren’t the way you like them
• People get tired of you complaining or being frustrated by the same things over and over
• You regret things strongly, and wish you could go back and redo key moments of your life
• You can’t forgive yourself for things you’ve done

A mind that fixates is a human thing, but if you’re unable to let go, your mind becomes more and more rigid.

And this can affect your relationships, your ability to focus on the present moment, and your happiness.

I’m not saying that this tendency to fixate the mind is a bad thing. There’s a strength to it, a protectiveness, a fire. But what if you want to have a more fluid mind, and let go? Maybe for a bit of peace of mind?

Let’s look at how to let go.

Why the Mind Fixates

Let’s start with why the mind fixates on something in the first place. Let’s assume it’s not because the mind hates your happiness, or is dumb.

The mind desires things the way it wants things to be — and that desire is completely natural. We want things the way we like them. The fixation comes when we get strongly attached to things being the way we want them to be.

Why would we become strongly attached? Because of fear — we’re afraid that if things aren’t the way we want them to be, then we won’t be OK.

For example:

• If I’m wrong about an argument, then my fear might be that people will think I’m dumb
• If I don’t defend myself against someone else’s criticism, then my fear might be that I’m not a good person (or won’t be seen as a good person)
• If I don’t hold on to a grudge or resentment, then my fear might be that people will just walk all over me and disrespect me
• If I am frustrated about things not being the way I want them, then my fear might be that if thing aren’t that way, I won’t have control over a scary situation

Do any of these sound familiar? Your mind’s fear might be in one of those. Or maybe there’s another fear — but it’s likely to be a fear that you won’t be OK for some reason.

How to Let Go

Knowing why our minds fixate — because of fear — might help us to understand how we can start to let go.

We have to first simply acknowledge the fear. We’re afraid we won’t be OK. That’s an understandable fear to have! It’s totally OK to have that fear, and to have a mind that’s fixated because of it.

Next, we might ask, “What does my fear need, in order to feel that I’ll be OK?” The first reaction might be: “I need things to be the way I want them to be!” Which is, of course, the belief underlying the mind’s tendency to attachment.

But what if you didn’t need things to be that way, in order to be OK? What if you could trust that you’ll be OK no matter how things turn out? See if you can imagine yourself being OK, even if you’re not right about things, even if someone thinks bad things about you, even if you do something embarrassing, even if things aren’t just the way you want them to be?

If you can believe in that … then what would your fear need to feel that you’ll be OK? For me, I simply need a deeper breath, a little presence, and a little love.

Then I don’t need for things to be any way.

How to Practice Letting Go

Let’s take all of that and put it into practice:

1. Notice when your mind is fixated. This will usually be accompanied by frustration, or an inability to let go of an argument or offense. And tightness in your body and mind. If all you do is notice this, you’ll be making huge progress.
2. Pause and acknowledge the fear. Breathe for a moment. Notice that your fear that you won’t be OK is causing you to be attached and tight. Notice that it’s frustrating you. Now simply acknowledge the fear, breathe, give it some presence and love.
3. Remind yourself that you’ll be OK no matter what. Start to develop a deep trust in your OK-ness, by reminding yourself that being right, or being offended, or having things your way … aren’t required for you to be OK. You can be OK no matter how things turn out. Trust in that.
4. Now let go. Breathe, and acknowledge that you could be wrong. Acknowledge that the other person might have had good intentions. Acknowledge that you don’t need things to be your way. Forgive the other person, or yourself. Feel how loving and open this is.

I don’t expect each of these steps to be easy. That’s OK, we don’t have to be attached to doing it right! Just practice. See what happens, with a mind that’s curious.

And then see what might happen if you let your mind release, and be fluid. See what kind of openness might come.

with love,

Leo Babauta

Zen Habits

https://zenhabits.net/

Reality is a Mirror Reflecting You

Reality is a Mirror Reflecting You

The Pleiadian Council (9D) 

Channel: Octavia Vasile

Posted on October 30, 2024

We greet you with boundless love.

Today, we come to gently remind you of who you truly are. You are an inseparable part of the Prime Creator—a radiant, serene being of love and light. Take a deep breath and let this truth fill you.

Our purpose is to help you remember that the brush, the very tool with which you paint your reality, rests softly in your hands. Keep it close, for it is yours to hold, guiding each stroke to align with the divine harmony of all things. Now, take another deep breath, and feel the depth of our words resonate within you:

“Everything I create aligns wholly with the divine order.”

Embrace this truth at the core of your being, allowing it to nourish the colors with which you paint your world. Remember, there is no reality outside of you; your mind is the canvas, shaped by intentions and emotions.

If you see fear or darkness reflected around you, know that they come from within. They are echoes of your own shadows brought forth, urging you to understand, to heal. You may tirelessly polish your mirror, seeking a clearer image, only to find it clouded again. But dear one, the answer is not in the mirror—it is within. Clear your mind, and the reflection will naturally shine with purity.

To clear the mind, observe each thought and emotion, for they are the seeds of your reality. Linear time brings a gentle delay between intention and manifestation, sometimes causing you to look outward for answers. Yet, those “mirrors” are simply aspects of yourself, reflected in the souls of those you meet. Draw these reflections back into your heart, letting love fill the image you see.

Observe this delay carefully and learn the art of bending time. How, you ask? By fully embracing the present moment, where time dissolves. In this awareness, creation flows faster, and you will come to see that it is you who projects your reality.

So, dear heart, if you feel frustration, if you’re tempted to shatter the mirror, remember that each shard will still reflect the truth of your inner world.

You hold the power to create your experience. Take back your sovereignty, and know that you are not alone—we are here, nurturing you as our own, though we honor your strength too much to support the role of victim. Walk in joy, shine with beauty, let your inner light guide each brushstroke, and lovingly accept all that you create.

We love you deeply and are here with you, always guiding you along the way.

Octavia Vasile

• https://orykl.com/octavia-vasile
• https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064273232754
  

A Beginner’s Guide To The 7 Chakras + How To Unblock Them

A Beginner’s Guide To The 7 Chakras + How To Unblock Them

By Yogi Cameron

October 17, 2024

The seven chakras are the main energy centers of the body. You’ve probably heard people talk about “unblocking” their chakras, which refers to the idea that when all of our chakras are open, energy can run through them freely, and harmony exists between the physical body, mind, and spirit.

Chakra translates to “wheel” in Sanskrit, and you can imagine them like wheels of free-flowing positive energy.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll summarize the defining characteristics of the seven main chakras, explain how to tell when any of them are blocked, and share how to unblock each one—from root to crown—using mantras, yoga poses, and more.

What are chakras?

The name “chakra” is the Sanskrit word for “wheel.” In yoga, chakras are used to describe the way energy “moves” throughout the body. Each of the seven chakras (described below) are said to correlate with different abilities, expressions, and types of health.

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)

The Muladhara, or root chakra, represents our foundation. On the human body, it sits at the base of the spine and gives us the feeling of being grounded.

When the root chakra is open, we feel confident in our ability to withstand challenges and stand on our own two feet. When it’s blocked, we feel threatened, as if we’re standing on unstable ground.

Location: Base of spine, in tailbone area

What it controls: Survival issues such as financial independence, money, and food

Mantra: “I can’t grow from an unsteady foundation.”

Color: Red

Element: Earth

Stone: Hematite

Yoga pose: Warrior I

When it develops: 1-7 years old

2. Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana)

The Swadhisthana, or sacral chakra, helps inform how we relate to our emotions and the emotions of others. It also governs creativity and sexual energy. Those with a blocked sacral chakra could feel a lack of control in their lives.

Location: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel

What it controls: Your sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, and sexuality

Mantra: “I always honor others but not before myself.”

Color: Orange

Element: Water

Stone: Tiger’s Eye

Yoga pose: Bound Angle Pose

When it develops: 8-14 years old

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

The third chakra, the solar plexus chakra, speaks to your ability to be confident and in control of your life. Think back to the last time you had butterflies or felt a pit in the stomach: That’s the Manipura chakra at work.

If your solar plexus chakra is blocked, you might feel overwhelming amounts of shame and self-doubt. Those with open sacral chakras are free to express their true selves.

Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area

What it controls: Self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem

Mantra: “Self-love starts when I accept all parts of myself.”

Color: Yellow

Element: Fire

Stone: Amber

Yoga pose: Boat Pose

When it develops: 15-21 years old

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)

The Anahata, or heart chakra, is the bridge between the lower chakras (associated with materiality) and the upper chakras (associated with spirituality). As the name suggests, this chakra can influence our ability to give and receive love—from others and ourselves.

Someone with a blocked heart chakra will have difficulty fully opening up to the people in their life. If someone’s heart is open, they can experience deep compassion and empathy.

Location: Center of chest, just above the heart

What it controls: Love, joy, and inner peace

Mantra: “When I love myself, loving others comes easily.”

Color: Green

Element: Air

Stone: Rose Quartz

Yoga pose: Camel Pose

When it develops: 21-28 years old

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

The Vishuddha, or throat chakra, gives voice to the heart chakra and controls our ability to communicate our personal power.

When it’s functioning at full capacity, it allows us to express ourselves truly and clearly. Someone with a blocked throat chakra will feel like they have trouble finding the words to say how they truly feel.

Location: Throat

What it controls: Communication, self-expression, and truth

Mantra: “I speak my truth, always.”

Color: Light Blue/Turquoise

Element: Sound/Music

Stone: Aquamarine

Yoga pose: Fish Pose

When it develops: 29-35 years old

6. Third-Eye Chakra (Ajna)

As we move up the body, we’re getting closer to communion with the divine. The Anja, or third-eye chakra, controls our ability to see the big picture and connect to intuition. Think of it as the eye of the soul: It registers information beyond the surface level.

Visions and intuitive hits are not uncommon for someone with an open third-eye chakra.

Location: Forehead between the eyes (also called the Brow Chakra)

What it controls: Intuition, imagination, and wisdom

Mantra: “I am open to exploring what cannot be seen.”

Color: Dark Blue/Purple

Element: Light

Stone: Amethyst

Yoga pose: Child’s Pose

When it develops: 36-42 years old

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

The Sahasrara, or crown chakra, the highest chakra, sits at the crown of the head and represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. When you fully open your crown chakra—something very few people ever do!—you’re able to access a higher consciousness.

Location: The very top of the head

What it controls: Inner and outer beauty, spiritual connection

Lesson: “I am a vessel for love and light.”

Color: Violet/White

Element: Divine Consciousness

Stone: Clear quartz

Yoga pose: Headstand

When it develops: 43-49 years old

Yogi Cameron

• Source
• Posted on 10/17/2024 by EraOfLight