Most of our fears can be put into one of two categories. Fear of not getting what we want or fear of losing what we have. Most of our negative reactions to life result from a lack of acceptance. We are afraid and we don’t accept because of our lack of faith in a Higher Power or to put it another way, we don’t trust in the way things are. Did I rub anybody the wrong way yet? 
We grasp for people, places and things that we desire. We then attach to those people, places and things’, always fearing their loss, either consciously or subconsciously, even though we will eventually lose them as nothing in this life is permanent. When we cannot get that which we are grasping or lose what we thought we possessed, we get upset in some way. Since not always getting what we want and losing what we have are inevitable, wouldn’t it make sense to work on a way out of this endless cycle of suffering?
This is not that complicated. If grasping and a lack of acceptance of the way life is causes much of our suffering, then not grasping and accepting life as it is should relieve us of that suffering. Extremely simple, but simple and easy are not the same.
If we wish to be free from fear, we need to learn to let go of that which we covet. How do we do that? The first time I heard the phrase, let go, I asked myself, “let go of what and to whom”? I learned that I needed to let go of my will, my desires and my life to the care of a Higher Power. I first needed to have faith in a Higher Power before I could entrust my life to It, so this faith had to come first. I discuss finding faith in other posts and I have listed other sources that may help you with your faith on the Helpful Links page. You may also find assistance through various advertisers on this site.
Once you possess enough faith in a Higher Power or God if you like, you can begin to let go. You can let go in prayer and meditation and throughout the course of the day. Whenever you feel the desire to control someone or a situation that cannot realistically be controlled by you, let go and trust that everything will work out the way it is supposed to. When you feel afraid of losing someone you love or something that you possess, let go knowing there is a Greater Force in charge and that that Force is not you. Bringing such fear to our lives and the lives of others in not beneficial to anyone involved. Let go!
The more we learn to let go of our life and everything and everyone in it, the more peaceful and happy we become. Letting go doesn’t imply not caring or loving, on the contrary. The less fear we bring to a relationship with another person or to a situation, the more we can fully appreciate that person or situation as we are not influenced by fear. Our feelings and decisions will be healthy and pure. Our love and compassion for others will flourish and grow because we are not filled with self-centered fear. Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Doesn’t this sound like a great way to live?
Anonymous
on Mar 4th, 2009
@ 9:10 PM:
It sounds like a great way to live but not always that simple to follow especially when your children are involved. Sometimes you have to let go because you do love so much. Those are the most painful times.
Alan A
on Mar 5th, 2009
@ 5:36 AM:
Anonymous,
Simple & easy are two different things
Anonymous
on Mar 5th, 2009
@ 6:27 PM:
You could use the word ‘simple’ or ‘easy’ in the above comment, it produces the same result. In theory your comments are idealistic and would only take place in a perfect world with perfect people. I don’t know about you but I don’t know anyone who lives in such a perfect world. You can struggle for a lifetime to try and achieve such balance, most people do not achieve it even if they follow your advice.
Alan A
on Mar 5th, 2009
@ 8:40 PM:
Anonymous,
If we define simple as not complicated and easy as not difficult, there is definitely a difference. And yes, much of what we’re shooting for here are wonderful or sometimes perfect ideals despite knowing that we will most likely never become perfect. But we need to strive for something and it just doesn’t seem right to me to strive for anything less than such ideals. Based on your comments, it seems as if you may believe that we might as well not even try. I have a more positive and optimistic view of life and in our ability as people to change and be happy. I have personally experienced peace and happiness and I have seen it in countless people. I choose to associate with others who try to improve their lives through spiritual principles and we all help each other to achieve our goals. Perhaps you should hang out with happier people
You said, “You can struggle for a lifetime to try and achieve such balance, most people do not achieve it even if they follow your advice”. I strongly disagree with that statement, on the contrary. Although this is a lifetime practice, results are almost guaranteed if you HONESTLY incorporate such spiritual principles into your life, not just once in a while, but with consistence and vigilance. Some people seem to be born happy but with others it takes more work. The question I have for you is, are you happy and at peace most of the time? Be honest…