Holding On and Letting Go With Our Consultant!

“I think attachment is just a holding on to something with the belief that it can make us happy.  Zen Buddhism is about letting go more than holding on.”

These wise words are from our consultant Vicki Goldsmith. When she writes that attachment “is just a holding on,” the little word “a” slows me down.

Even though “a holding on” is the opposite of “a letting go” – there are times that we need to hold the tension of opposites. 

My stomach gets anxious when gazing at the down escalator in Von Maur. I imagine the unique combination of letting go and holding on, that is required to get on the escalator, is triggering buried issues that need resolution. 

It is not easy to admit that you are afraid to step on the down escalator. It is humbling. I’m trying to learn from it.

Vicki closes with a helpful question: “What should I do/say/buy/notice this instant, and how can I lessen suffering?”

Is there an example in your life of letting go and holding on at the same time that is a challenge for you? Have you ever had to hold the tension of a pair of opposites? Please share with us your experiences.

Thanks for exploring the mystery – Nicky Mendenhall