The Art of Letting Go
Today was a day of connection and reflection. I dropped off my cohort mate, Hotvlkuce, at the airport. I am stating that today was a day of connection because of the amazing connection I made with my new lifetime friend. As much fun as we have had during her two-week stay, today I specifically had to put into practice my lesson of non-attachment: living completely in the moment, in the present, enjoying things when you have them, and allowing them to leave when it is time for them to go.
I often say that my projects are very intimately close and dear to me. They are often internal lessons/stories I am presently working through. This week, I completed all of my short film projects, all of which taught me a lesson of their own. My biggest takeaway from this week’s project, and what seemed to be a reoccurring topic in my films, was the act of being fully present, which can only be achieved when you truly slow down. This is a practice. One way I did so was by walking slower to and from my studio here at my residency. This simple and what seems to be very common sense allowed me to notice the most simple and beautiful details along the trail to my studio. God hides the best treasures in the present moment. There are so many beautifully unique and spunky-looking trees along my path. Some have different colors, shapes, patterns, and broad and audacious roots that are decorated in deep earth-colored green moss. I was stunned by the magic I was missing from having with my head and walking so fast. It reminds me how we are not here forever, on a large and small scale of thinking. I, for example, will not be at this residency forever; although three weeks sounds like a long time, it will inevitably, like life itself, come to an end. Why wouldn’t I stop and enjoy every second, every minute, every hour, and day that I am here? (and of every day after). Someday, I will leave, and this residency and this beautiful walk to my studio will come to an end. I show my appreciation for not only nature but also the amazing and intentional work of the creator by actively slowing down and taking my time.
I stated in one of my short films that nature is never in a rush. It simply surrenders to the plan of the creator. The trees show us each season what it looks like to surrender to the season you are in. Currently, the trees are showing us what it looks like to let things go. Gracefully and courageously. The trees do not second-guess this decision of the creator but rather embrace and lean into it. I say all the time that the trees are my favorite teacher. It’s like they already know that “God will always replace what is taken from you with something of equal or GREATER value,” but the trees don’t seem to even be concerned about tomorrow or even yesterday because they are too busy enjoying the present moment. I will take that wisdom, put it in the pocket of my heart, sit with it, meditate, and rejoice in this knowing.
The takeaway from my reflection this week is to continue to strive to be like nature. I mean, I am, in fact, an extension of nature. I am God in human form, just as God is in the trees, the animals, the plants, and the moss of the trees roots. To be like nature is to be like God, and nature reminds me to slow down, embrace the present, surrender to my season, and trust fully in the bigger picture and plan of the creator. I will also rest in the practice of non-attachment by way of enjoying everything and everyone in the present moment while I can experience them with love and great compassion. And with courage and grace, I will let them go when it’s its season to leave.
