Reflect and Release: Techniques for Healing
Just as nature is letting go, we are also encouraged to mirror the world around us. We can take the time to reflect and release as we move on into the more yin months of the year. We can reflect on the year so far and release all that no longer serves us. We must spend the time doing this so that we too can invite in new growth in the future.
Seasonal Inspiration
Autumn is a beautiful time of year. Nature offers the chance to witness it casting off the old in order to prepare to invite in new growth. As the trees draw their energy inwards, leaves begin to dry out leaving a colourful display for all to appreciate.
This season of the year is associated with the metal element. It is also linked to the meridian lines of the lungs and large intestines. The qualities of the metal element are structure, discipline and precision. Heading into the more yin seasons of the year is a nice time to hit pause. We can slow down and take a breath to reflect on how far we’ve came throughout the year.
Reflecting is another quality of the metal element. This quality offers us the chance to acknowledge all that we are still holding onto but need to release. We can start to let go, with a sense of gratitude. This creates space for new, exciting opportunities and experiences to come into our lives.
How to reflect
I’m quite a reflective person. I consider how I’ve performed in areas at work and look at how I can improve moving forwards. This isn’t about finding ways to beat myself up, but it’s about being constantly looking to improve. But when it comes to reflecting on a deeper level that’s a whole other issue. Which I’m still working on.
I’ve realised there are a few things from the last few years that I haven’t properly released. And these may be contributing to the ongoing migraine issues I’ve been struggling with. Holding onto the past can prevent us from moving forwards and leave us feeling stagnant and stuck. Basically we can’t innovate if we’re stuck holding on to what is eating away at us. They say that depression is living in the past and anxiety is living in the future. I can relate to that description.
Talking
Chatting is a good way to begin the healing process as we can say things aloud they become more real. It’s in the light of day that many of the thoughts in our heads don’t stand up to scrutiny. This offers the chance for us to work through our questions and issues and come to our own resolutions. Therapy works a bit like this as the counsellor reflects back all that we say. Which can support us to make our own connections and take a step down the road to healing.
Writing
I love to write, but I haven’t been using my journal lately. This might be why things have started to sneak up on me, again. Using a journaling prompt or free writing around letting go can be powerful ways to get things onto paper. Often when it’s written down in front of us it doesn’t seem quite so big. A solution can present itself more readily when we’ve faced the reality of what’s going on inside our minds.
How to release
Once we’ve spent some time reflecting it’s time to actively make the effort to release. Letting go can feel like a breath of fresh air just when we need it most. Working with the breath is the best way I’ve found to practice letting go. Focusing on the exhale to physically feel the release of energy from the body. You could try Square or Box Breathing which offers retentions in between the inhales and exhales. This breath practice is great for slowing us down and cultivating a moment of calm. The retentions allow us to focus on what we’re keeping hold of, allowing us to release from a mindful place. Another breath practice that would be useful is Alternate Nostril Breathing, which is all about creating balance. Balancing the breath provides some perspective as letting go is a valuable and necessary part of our healing journey.
Reflect and Release in Real Life
As a migraine warrior and mental health champion I have accumulated experiences I’d be better off releasing. Over the last few weeks the limiting belief of not being good enough has raised its head again. So I’ve been doing a lot of work on acceptance of myself, my skills and my abilities. Through talking I learned that an incident from 6 years ago is still holding itself over me. I have been unable to release the feelings of hurt from this time and have instead held myself back.
Negative thought patterns are a recurring issue for me, and one I am always working on. I’ve learned that not everything my mind tells me is true. I need to work on feeling grateful for the situation from 6 years ago. Without it I wouldn’t have taken the risks to become the person I am today.
So I’ll be focusing on breathwork. I’ll be writing in my journal and I will be releasing people, places and situations with gratitude. Turning a negative I’ve held onto for so long into a positive is a huge step. I can reflect with a grateful heart and then move on.
Next Steps
It is all little steps and you won’t feel instantly better. But taking a small step in the right direction every day is better than holding on indefinitely. This is an ongoing process and not one which comes to an end when the seasons shift. Constant reflection and release are the only ways we can heal. So it is worth putting in the time and effort.
If you’re not sure where to start, then join me on the mat for a 60-minute Yin Yoga class. This is the ideal opportunity for you to slow down, embrace the yin and prepare to let go.
