The Art of Letting Go: Releasing to Make Room for More of You
Hey there! Whit here! Today I’d like to talk about something that has been a core part of my journey—release.
We all accumulate things—physical objects, beliefs, emotions, habits. Some of them serve us for a time, and then, at some point, they don’t. But here’s the tricky part: even when something has outlived its purpose, we often resist letting it go. We hold on because it’s familiar, because it feels safe, because we’re not sure what’s on the other side of that release.
But what if letting go isn’t about losing anything? What if it’s actually about making space for more of you?
Let’s explore what it means to release with trust, what ancient wisdom and modern science have to say about it, and how we can ease into letting go in ways that feel good to our bodies and our souls.
Releasing the Old to Welcome the New: My Journey
I don’t just talk about release—I live it. In the fall of 2023, I made a massive decision: I was going to sell or give away almost everything I owned, pack what remained into my car, and travel the country intuitively. No rigid plan, no set destination—just me, my heart, and the synchronicities guiding me forward.
That meant parting ways with furniture, kitchen supplies, clothes, sentimental objects—things I had spent years accumulating. And while it wasn’t always easy, each item I released made me feel lighter. I wasn’t just making room in my car—I was making room in me.
That decision led to one of the most expansive experiences of my life. I met new people, deepened my creativity, and tested my resilience in ways I never could have if I had stayed attached to my belongings and the stability of one place. Had I clung to what was, I wouldn’t have been open to what could be.
And that release wasn’t a one-time thing. Just recently, I let go of the very car that had carried me on my adventures. She had served me well (thank you Yoshi!), but after a series of mechanical issues, I knew it was time. Even without a replacement lined up, I trusted that the perfect vehicle for my next phase—one aligned with a big project I’m working on—would come when the time was right.
This kind of trust doesn’t come from nowhere. It’s built through experience, through listening to our intuition, and through knowing that every time we release something that has completed its purpose, we create space for something even more aligned.
Ancient Wisdom: Release as a Sacred Practice
Throughout history, cultures around the world have honored the practice of release.
Fire Ceremonies: Many Indigenous traditions use fire as a tool for release—writing down what no longer serves and offering it to the flames as a way of transmuting energy. I recently did something similar, burning three journals I had filled over the past year. These journals had been incredible for processing emotions, brainstorming new ideas, and capturing downloads for projects—but they had done their job. By releasing them, I allowed space for new ideas, fresh clarity, and more expansion.
Buddhist Non-Attachment: In Buddhist teachings, clinging to anything—whether it’s a belief, a possession, or a way of life—creates suffering. The practice of non-attachment isn’t about rejecting life’s experiences but rather allowing things to come and go naturally, without gripping onto them out of fear.
Seasonal Rhythms: Many ancient cultures lived in alignment with the seasons, recognizing that fall and winter were times for shedding—just as trees release their leaves and animals slow down. Release is natural. It’s part of the cycle of life.
Modern Science: Why Letting Go Feels So Hard (And How It Helps Us Grow)
Science backs up what ancient wisdom has long taught: letting go isn’t just emotional—it’s physiological.
The Brain and Attachment: Studies show that we form neural pathways around familiar routines, possessions, and even beliefs. When we try to let go of something, our brain interprets it as a loss—even if it’s something that no longer serves us. This is why change can feel hard, even when we know it’s for the best.
Cognitive Load and Decluttering: Research has shown that clutter—both physical and mental—leads to stress. A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people who described their homes as "cluttered" had higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Letting go isn’t just about minimalism; it’s about mental and emotional clarity.
The Nervous System and Safety: When we release something—especially something we’ve identified with—our nervous system might go into survival mode. That’s why it’s important to work with our bodies during the release process instead of forcing ourselves into it.
How to Release with Trust (Without Forcing It)
The key to releasing isn’t forcing yourself to let go—it’s creating safety in the process. Here are some ways to do that:
1. Start Small and Notice the Shift
Pick something small to release—a piece of clothing, an old belief, a habit.
Notice how it feels in your body. Does it create a sense of openness? A little more space?
2. Honor What You’re Releasing
If you’re letting go of a belief, thank it for how it has served you.
If you’re releasing a physical object, hold it for a moment, acknowledge its role in your journey, and let it go with gratitude.
3. Use Rituals to Help the Process
Fire Ceremony: Write down what you’re releasing and burn it.
Water Release: Let a leaf float away in a river, symbolizing your release.
Breathwork: Inhale deeply, hold the intention of release, and exhale fully.
4. Listen to Your Body
If resistance comes up, don’t fight it. Ask yourself, “What part of me isn’t ready yet?” Sometimes, we just need more time.
Trust that you’ll release when it’s right for you—not when someone else says you should.
5. Celebrate the Space You’ve Created
Once you’ve let go, take a moment to feel into what’s new.
Expansion follows release. What are you inviting in? What new possibilities are emerging?
Final Thoughts: Making Room for More of You
Releasing isn’t about loss—it’s about making space. Space for new energy, new perspectives, and more of your authentic self.
Whether it’s physical belongings, outdated beliefs, or even a well-loved car, every time we release with trust, we step further into alignment.
So, if you’re feeling like something in your life is ready to be released, trust that knowing. You don’t have to rush. You don’t have to force it. Just notice. Sit with it. And when the moment feels right, let go.
What new expansion might be waiting for you on the other side?
Sending you love, as always.
*I HIGHLY recommend checking out Native and Indigenous sources to do a deeper dive into the topic covered. The very short paragraph included here has the intention to bring awareness to this perspective, but not speak for it. Please check out more in depth information directly from the source!
