What does letting go on the practical
level tell us? Letting go is different than denying or repressing. To let go of
something is to admit it. You have to own it. Letting go is different than
turning it against yourself; different than projecting it onto others. Letting
go means that the denied, repressed, rejected parts of yourself, which are
nonetheless true, are seen for what they are; but you refuse to turn them
against yourself or against others. This is not denial or pretend, but actual
transformation.
The religious word for this letting go
is some form of forgiveness. You see the imperfect moment for what it
is, and you hand it over to God. You refuse to let any negative storyline or
self-serving agenda define your life. This is a very, very different way of
living; it implies that you see your mistakes, your dark side, but you do
not identify with either your superiority or your inferiority. Both are
equally a problem.
Forgiveness is of one piece. Those who give it can
also receive it. Those who receive it can pass forgiveness on. You are a
conduit, and your only job is not to stop the flow. What comes around will also
go around. The art of letting go is really the secret of happiness and freedom.
Richard Rohr
