Letting go and spiritual growth are as rain is to a field of wildflowers: we blossom as beings only as we release ourselves from what is self-limiting. But why do this kind of work within ourselves? Even though it's obvious, it needs to be stated: we struggle with whatever we do -- with whatever personally compromises us or our contentment in life -- so that we might realize a greater measure of freedom.
Each time we see the need to let go of something -- a bad habit that drags us down, an unsatisfactory relationship, a career choice that can't complete us in the way we dreamed it would, or maybe unrealistic expectations of ours about others that eventually spoil our partnerships with them -- whatever it may be: what is it that's actually happened in these moments of honest self-examination? See if this simple answer doesn't describe our situation.
Aren't we being "asked" to give up an existing relationship in order to make room in our lives for something higher? Of course we are. Then why is it so hard to act on our intuition? After all, who doesn't want a life that's better, brighter, and truer? Here's why we hesitate to make this exchange, as so many of us do: the real challenge in such moments is that what we must choose in favor of can't be seen by our physical eyes!
Inherent in any true spiritual surrender is this one inescapable fact: we can't hope to realize the actual nature of that new and greater relationship we seek until we have released the old one. St. Paul, author of numerous New Testament accounts, best describes what is, ultimately, an indescribable moment: "Our faith must be in things unseen, and not in things seen; for who hopes for things (already) seen?"
When it comes to letting go and growing beyond who and what we have been up until that time, the deal is non-negotiable: first comes our gradual awakening to what no longer works for us, followed by the inner work to release the same. Then, and only then, dawns the discovery and realization of what is -- in all cases -- a new and higher order of our self; our life is transformed. Confidence, contentment, and compassion become our constant companions.
The spiritual work of letting go and of growing into our native holiness is unlike any other kind of effort one will ever have to make. Here's encouragement to help you get started: the relationship you long for -- the life of real wisdom, grace, strength, courage, compassion, and love -- already lives within you. Now, all that remains is for you to choose to make this discovery, and just as gentle spring rains stir the seeds that become beautiful wildflowers, so will these higher lessons help you to let go and grow free.