We often encounter the term “letting go” as a means to heal, grow, and achieve success and peace. But is it really that easy to let go? Are there proven ways to do this?
Dr. Hansa ji, director of Yoga Institute, Santacruz, tells us how ‘letting go’ is an integral concept in yoga, with proven results in restoring mental and physical health.
Is there a “letting go” concept in yoga literature?
If you read yoga literature, you will be surprised by the wisdom of the yogis. Yoga is the science of life and the path is systematically explained in the Yoga Sutra, written by Maharshi Patanjali.
It is mentioned in the first chapter of Yoga Sutra ‘Vairagya Bhava’. Vairagya implies ‘disinterest’ or ‘letting go’.
We identify completely with the material world and are not even aware of it, and it is this identification and attraction that must be overcome ‘Vairagya Bhava’.
‘Vairagya’ does not simply mean a lack of interest, but rather a control over our attractions or reactions. The selflessness must be felt at all levels – inner and outer.
What exactly is it that we are letting go?
We let go of everything that binds us – objects, thoughts, feelings, opinions, plans and much more – even the desire to go to heaven. All these things fill our minds and cause us unhappiness, worry and stress. By letting go, we free ourselves.
When you learn how to apply for a job ‘Vairagya’ in daily life one can remain in a peaceful state during our activities.
How is this achieved through yoga techniques?
‘Vairagya Bhava’ can be inculcated through asanas, mudras and pranayama. Relaxation exercises such as Shavasana, Makarasana, Nispanda Bhava And Dradhasana are also important techniques for letting go.
‘Vairagya’ is in fact – along with Dharma, Jnana And Aishwarya – an aspect or posture related to yoga asanas.
Forward bending asanas are related to the Vairagya aspect. Yoga Mudra is a good example. Bowing gives a sense of humility and acknowledgment of another entity, a Higher Reality. This makes it easy to let go of our opinions, our own view of things and our ego.
Under Mudras, Yoni Mudra helps direct the senses inward, to experience the universe within.
In Pranayamas, Rechaka, which involves prolonged exhalation, also develops the feeling of letting go. The practice of ‘Anitya Bhavana’ subtly brings us closer to becoming witness-like and distant.
Is there a neuroscientific link between ‘letting go’ and good health?
A letting-go attitude generated by mindfulness and relaxation exercises is linked to neurobiology.
Yoga practices can reduce stress by relaxing the Amygdala, an important brain region linked to stress responses. They can help alter the default mode network, a set of brain regions associated with rumination and negative thinking.
They also support the hippocampus, another part of the brain involved in memory and cognitive function, and stimulate the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid), which promote relaxation and emotional stability.
Importantly, these practices can increase neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to remodel itself and respond to stimuli in a more adaptive manner.
Because persistent stress is a known risk factor for a variety of diseases, these brain changes contribute to greater mental and emotional well-being and can have a beneficial effect on overall health.
Some yoga techniques such as asana and pranayama stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to achieve a peaceful state of mind. Meditative practices and relaxation techniques also help relieve stress.
Does ‘letting go’ only help on a mental level or also on a physical level?
The mind-body connection is strong, and improvements in mental well-being often translate into physical health benefits.
While releasing and managing stress through techniques can contribute to better health, they are only one aspect of a holistic approach to health. Lifestyle factors also play a crucial role in health.
What if I want to persevere? What if my mind doesn’t really want to let go? Should I still try to train my mind?
When one indulges in the objects of pleasure and cannot let go of them, the mind keeps returning to them and remembering the pleasures associated with them. Then there is a chance that you will get stuck.
There are actually many benefits to exercise Vairagya in daily life. Your mind is less cluttered, you don’t worry as much about what happens next. If you can let go of these things, you will find peace.
Learning to detach will help you focus better, focus on one task at a time, and think clearly. You may also observe yourself from a distance and notice certain behaviors that you want to change.
You don’t have to become an expert at letting go. Every time you overcome the bondage to your sensory pleasures, even in small ways, you free yourself.
How long does it take to master the art of ‘letting go’? Are there different phases?
After practicing these techniques for some time, you may experience a spontaneous development of faith in a spiritual goal, or indifference in material objects.
There are four stages of it Vairagya. The first is the Yatmana stage, in which we try to rationalize our attraction to physical, emotional and material things. We try to resist enjoyment while being kind (feeling ‘Maitri’) for those who enjoy it.
This can lead to the next phase of Vyatireka, where we learn to distinguish between what we have been able to control and what we have not. This is a sign of progress.
At a later date Ekendriya In this stage one has gained control over many external things, but the mental desires remain.
The last phase of the ordinary Vairagya is when one has overcome all kinds of desires – called Vashikar – and the mind and senses are controlled.
You mention ‘ordinary Vairagya’. Is there an extraordinary Vairagya?
The highest stage of ‘letting go’ is only possible when there is a total awareness of pure consciousness. Then you feel a disinterest towards the components that underlie the entire creation. It has been realized that the glamor and glitz that attracts is only due to the play of the three gunas i.e. Sattva, Rajas And Tamas.
All creation behaves according to a formula, and those who know the formula are not disturbed.
