Let It Go Or Let It Be?

Releasing The Control On Our Thoughts

December 24th, 2017

A common saying pertaining to thoughts is: “let it go.” This saying comes off as action-based, implying necessary effort to rid ourselves, as if we can physically shrug thoughts off. And this presents problems.

We can’t forcefully remove thoughts from our mind, there is no magic wand to make them disappear.
 Yet, when we try to rid ourselves from thoughts, it results in them having more control over us. To push something away, we must spend time with it trying to influence its existence. In this sense, the thoughts have developed more control over us, they have dictated where we placed our mental attention. In the process, the thoughts take unnecessary occupancy in our mental space, allowing their presence to elongate, like we are putting out a fresh plate of food for an unwanted visitor.

Maybe when we say “let it go” we actually mean to “let it leave” or to “let it pass.” This is a big distinction, it’s the difference between action and non-action. It’s letting something be exactly how it is, without trying to change it.


I’ll use a mosquito bite to paint an analogy.

When we scratch our bite we are actively trying to alleviate ourselves from its annoyance. This action only exacerbates the wound, allowing it to fester. But if we let it sit, overtime it naturally heals.

The same happens with our thoughts. If we try to push them away, it only makes matters worse. But when we non-judgmentally observe them, without needing to change anything, we can mend our relationship to thoughts that bother us. Practicing non-judgmental observance, enables for acceptance. And where acceptance is had, control leaves.


At this point the thought form can leave, not through actively trying to rid ourselves of it, “letting it go” but instead “letting it be.”