Letting it go for Lent...letting it go for good.

So this year I am giving up Anxiety for Lent. It's day two, and I am realizing just how difficult that really is. Nothing more to say about this really, but I thought I'd share the process with my readers. I recommend it, not just for lent, but as a continual practice. Below are the steps I took. 

My process on the practice of letting go...

1. On a sheet of paper, write down things that bring you anxiety, worry or stress. This can be things like relationships, job, etc. In addition, write down desires, plans and longings that you have. 

2. Place this sheet of paper in a chest/box/safe and put away. This represents you letting go of whatever you have written. Imagine that you are giving it to God, laying it aside, no longer claiming it as part of your mental space. 

3. On another piece of paper, write down a prayer, poem, scripture, quote, etc that speaks to your letting go of your worry, anxiety or stress. You can write one general one, or use different ones that represent different types of worry. Feel free to use words written by others, but be sure to write your own words. 

4. For the next 40 days (or however long), pay attention to those times when stress arises. Where are you in that moment? What are you doing? Who are you around/speaking to? What are you thinking about? This will help you to identify the reason behind your worry. Every time you feel stress or anxiety arise, read the prayer/scripture/poem/quote aloud. If you have different responses for different types of worry, be sure to read the corresponding response. 

5. Keep a journal on your experience. How does this process affect you physically, emotionally, and mentally? If you are being triggered by places, or people especially, then this could be a good time of process and forgiveness. 

6. Use other means to relax and release stress. Working out is great for this. I personally love any engagement in the arts. Singing, dancing, painting, etc are great ways to learn to let go. Some of my favorites are:

     a) doing yoga/stretches while singing a psalm/song/scripture    
     b) painting on a buddha board (you can find it here)     
     c) deep breaths      
     d) writing in a journal      
     e) karaoke

7) Give back. Pray for others. Be a servant. Give a compliment. Read poetry. Send flowers for no reason to a person you are not in a romantic relationship with. Hug a stranger. Make a friend. You will be surprised at how much energy you were giving to your worry. 

Let me know your thoughts on this. Does it work for you?