Wise letting go leads to joy when we realize we don’t have to hold on to our “extra baggage.” We are putting down an unnecessary burden—the attachment that comes from grasping onto what we think will make us happy.
Letting Go as Simplifying
The essence of letting go is bringing greater simplicity into our lives. When we simplify and get rid of clutter, we uncomplicate our minds. Spend some time with your child sorting through childhood toys and memorabilia. You can take photos of artwork and special things and then create special memory boxes. You both might gently thank and let go of things that are no longer needed.
In my own home, we would have sacred fires to let go of papers, artwork and burnable bits while we chatted and shared memories. My boys would watch the memory sparks fly into the night under star-filled skies. Later, when only the ashes remained, we would rake and bury them in the garden, thus nourishing our plants.
At school, give students time to really clean, sort, and organize their desks. Provide essential oils as a special treat and let them scent the desks. Recycle, reuse and share materials instead of buying more.
Mandala Art Project from Old Records
Some old records came into my hands, and I wondered what to do with them. Throwing them away seemed disrespectful and a waste somehow. I went to the thrift store and collected enough records to give one to each child. Using acrylic paints, rulers and thin paintbrushes, the children created mandala designs on the records.
Before beginning, I showed them ancient mandalas from all over the world, and we spoke of the symbolic use of color. The children spent many happy hours creating, and kids from other classes, poking their heads in the doors, begged to create “an original” piece of art too. Simple, easy, free, and deeply centering.
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