Definition
Release a control will that has become useless, without confusing this attitude with abandonment, indifference or passivity.
Letting it go does not mean giving up all responsibility. It is a matter of loosening the effort devoted to controlling what really escapes our power. This attitude allows us to continue to act on the accessible elements, while ceasing to demand that the world, others or the past correspond exactly to our expectations.
To be retained
- Identify what is not self-dependent
- Waiver of control impossible
- Continue to act on what remains accessible
- Accepting Uncertainty
Origin of the term and context
The expression is recent, but the idea joins Buddhist non-attachment, Stoic acceptance and the taoist wu wei, without being exactly equivalent to them.
Why does it matter?
Let-off helps distinguish useful action from sterile mental struggle. It can reduce the rumination when it is based on a realistic vision.
- Reduce control voltage
- Facilitating adaptation
- Helping to get out of certain ruminations
- Do not replace action when possible
How can I practice it?
- Identify what is beyond your control
- Choosing concrete and limited action
- Accept the remaining uncertainty
- Release the mental repetition
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Let go is not abandoning its values.
- It does not consist of becoming passive.
- We can't always order it instantly.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Taoism: wu wei, unforced action.
- Stoicism: distinction between control and non-control.
- Buddhism: non-attachment.
To go further
- Manual — Epistete
- The Happiness Trap — Russ Harris