The Art of Letting Go

Guided by a Zen feather

A Zen teacher hands me a feather.

‘Let it go,’ she says.

I sit there, holding the feather in front of me, not sure what to do.

She takes the feather and says, ‘Like this, Darlene.’

The feather falls to the ground as we both laugh.

What is the feather in my life?

In the quiet moments, I pick up the feather, an ordinary feather, delicate and light.

To the world, it’s just a feather, but to me, it’s something more. Something big.

It represents a compass, my path, my unique journey — one that we both know I’m too scared and hesitant to walk through.

It’s a path burdened with fear, darkness, bumps, challenges, and the intensity of the unknown.

But, my Zen teacher and I both realize that it’s worth the risk.

“One day, you will understand why you’re being guided on this path. You just have to trust me and believe that where you’re going is so much better than your own plans,” she says.

She wisely reminds me that uncertainty in life can be a source of growth and opportunity.

Despite all the fear, despite the darkness, despite the bumps and the challenges, we know that this feather, this simple feather, will take me to a place bigger than life, a place beyond my wildest dreams.

In the midst of all the uncertainty, it will become my guiding light, my true North.

I know it might bring obstacles, and I feel so unsure, but I’m determined to let go of my fear.

I have to let go.

With courage and a thankful heart, I embraced this path, even though I wished for an easier one, believing it could lead to a brighter future.

And in that moment, I finally let go, the feather becoming my guiding light, leading me on an adventure that will change everything for me and my highest good.

As I feel anxious yet excited, I watch it as it sways and dances in the wind while I step into the lightness of life’s new journey.

A remarkable transformation.

I lean into the inspiration of my desire, and I know it’s enough to lead me toward what is of the highest good. I surrender this desire to the universe, and I know I’m being guided.

— Gabby Bernstein

Thank you for reading.

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