Physical Practices of Release
Spirituality, for me, is believing in the magic of the unseen. Sometimes when life feels heavy, I like to let go of things on an emotional level. Physical items hold energy, whether that be from a person or place, and you also give objects emotional meaning through your experiences. Your mind takes in information, so anytime you can connect an intangible life issue with an object and let it go, you’ll feel a little lighter. It’s like you’re signalling to your brain that it no longer has to solve “the problem”. Some of my favourite physical practices for release are burning items in fire, walking labyrinths and releasing a rock into water.
Fire is the ultimate releaser as it’s a humbling physical metaphor of extinction. Getting to watch something become consumed by flames and broken down into its smallest form is beyond humbling. Full moons, or before New Moons are an extra auspicious time to release. My favourite things to burn are physical items from exes, and old journals from past lives. If you don’t have access to an open flame, no worries. You can simply make a ritual out of throwing something in the garbage, or burn a piece of paper in a fire-proof bowl, and flush the ashes down the toilet.
Labyrinths are ancient practices for contemplation, symbolic of your spiritual path. They’re windy paths with only one entrance and exit, which you walk through while ruminating on an emotional issue you’d like to release. I had never heard of them until my spiritual teacher introduced me in the summer of 2022. My first time felt incredible, and since then I’ve come across so many in my everyday life.
A quick search will locate labyrinths close to you. To begin, choose a physical object to hold onto while walking the path and ruminating on what you’re ready to release. When you reach the end, drop the physical object, letting go emotionally of whatever was no longer serving you. Walk back out to the exit, feeling restored and free.
If you want to start even smaller with physical practices to release, try simply grabbing a rock or other object, and dropping it into water (ocean, lake, pond, sink, glass of water, etc.). Simply feel into what you’re holding onto, squeezing the object palm facing up, and releasing on an exhale. Repeat with your palm facing down, dropping the object into the water to symbolize surrender. You can learn more about this practice here!
Whatever you’re ready to let go of, show some gratitude for how it showed up in your life. By giving thanks to the good and the bad, we open ourselves up to more opportunities of growth in the future.