“True peace is not in controlling everything around you, but in learning to let go of the things you cannot change.”
We live in a world that thrives on control—controlling outcomes, controlling perceptions, controlling situations. Yet, despite our best efforts, we often find ourselves entangled in stress and anxiety, burdened by the weight of expectations, uncertainties, and the uncontrollable forces of life. The more we try to manage everything, the more elusive peace becomes.
But what if peace doesn’t come from controlling more? What if peace is found in learning the art of letting go?
The ancient practice of mindfulness offers a path to do just that—to release the grip of stress and anxiety, not by resisting or avoiding them, but by being fully present, accepting what is, and gently letting go of the things that cause inner turmoil. Letting go doesn’t mean giving up or becoming passive. Rather, it means trusting that there is a greater plan at work, and finding peace in the present moment.
Understanding Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are natural responses to life’s challenges. They alert us to potential dangers and motivate us to take action. However, when stress becomes chronic and anxiety overwhelms us, it drains our mental, emotional, and physical energy. We end up feeling exhausted, tense, and constantly on edge.
The Bible tells us, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Yet, for many of us, it’s hard to let go of our worries and concerns. We hold on tightly to the belief that if we just try harder, think more, or control better, we can avoid the discomfort that stress and anxiety bring.
Mindfulness challenges this perspective. It teaches us that instead of fighting against stress and anxiety, we can acknowledge them, accept them, and release their power over us. Through mindfulness, we develop the ability to respond to life’s challenges with calmness and clarity, rather than being swept away by the storm of negative emotions.
The Power of Letting Go
Letting go is one of the most powerful ways to break free from the cycle of stress and anxiety. It’s about releasing the need to control outcomes and trusting that, in the grand scheme of things, everything will unfold as it should. When we hold on too tightly to the things we cannot control—whether it’s people, circumstances, or even our own thoughts—we only intensify our suffering.
Mindfulness invites us to let go by bringing our attention back to the present moment. It allows us to see things as they are, without judgment or resistance. The Bible speaks of this when it says, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.” When we stop worrying about the future or replaying the past, we free ourselves to live fully in the present.
The practice of letting go is not about suppressing emotions or pretending that everything is fine. It’s about recognizing the things we cannot change, releasing our attachment to them, and trusting in God’s timing and provision. When we do this, we create space for peace and inner stillness, even in the midst of life’s chaos.
How Mindfulness Helps You Let Go
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. It helps you become aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, without being consumed by them. Through mindfulness, you learn to observe your stress and anxiety, rather than becoming entangled in them.
Here are a few ways mindfulness can help you let go of stress and anxiety:
1. Awareness of the Present Moment
One of the most effective ways mindfulness helps reduce stress and anxiety is by anchoring you in the present moment. Most of our stress comes from worrying about things that haven’t happened yet or dwelling on things from the past. When you practice mindfulness, you bring your attention back to the here and now, where peace resides.
The Bible reminds us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith calls us to trust in the unseen and to live fully in the present, knowing that God is in control of the future.
2. Acceptance of What Is
Mindfulness teaches us to accept life as it is, without judgment or resistance. This doesn’t mean you condone negative situations or stop striving for positive change, but rather that you stop fighting against reality. When you accept things as they are, you release the mental and emotional resistance that causes stress.
The Bible tells us, “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Contentment comes from acceptance, not of passivity, but of trusting that God has a plan, even in the midst of challenges.
3. Non-Attachment to Thoughts and Emotions
One of the key teachings of mindfulness is the concept of non-attachment. Stress and anxiety often arise when we become attached to certain outcomes, beliefs, or emotions. Mindfulness helps you observe your thoughts and feelings without identifying with them. You learn to see them as passing clouds, rather than permanent fixtures.
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Non-attachment means trusting God with your worries and letting go of the need to fix everything on your own.
4. Deep Breathing and Relaxation
Mindfulness often includes deep breathing exercises that help calm the nervous system and reduce the physical symptoms of stress. When you focus on your breath, you signal to your body that it’s safe to relax. This simple practice can have profound effects on your ability to let go of tension and anxiety.
The Bible encourages us to find rest in God: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Mindful breathing creates a space for that rest, allowing you to release the burdens you’re carrying.
Practical Mindfulness Techniques to Let Go
Letting go through mindfulness doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a practice that takes time and patience. Here are a few mindfulness techniques to help you release stress and anxiety:
1. Body Scan Meditation
This practice involves slowly bringing your attention to different parts of your body, noticing any tension or discomfort, and then consciously relaxing each area. By tuning into your body, you become more aware of where you’re holding stress, and you can begin to release it.
2. Breath Awareness
Simply focusing on your breath can help anchor you in the present moment. Whenever you feel stress or anxiety building, take a few deep breaths, inhaling slowly and exhaling fully. Focus on the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body, and let go of any tension as you breathe out.
3. Gratitude Practice
Mindfulness isn’t just about being present—it’s also about cultivating a mindset of gratitude. Each day, take a few moments to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right, helping you let go of negative thoughts and embrace the blessings in your life.
4. Letting Go Meditation
In this meditation, you visualize yourself letting go of the things that cause you stress or anxiety. You might imagine placing your worries in God’s hands, or visualizing them as leaves floating down a stream. This practice helps you mentally and emotionally release the things you cannot control.
Trusting in the Process
Letting go is a lifelong practice. There will be moments when stress and anxiety resurface, but each time you practice mindfulness, you strengthen your ability to release their hold on you. The Bible reassures us, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” As you keep your mind focused on the present, and your heart trusting in God, you will find the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Embrace the Art of Letting Go
The art of letting go is not about escaping life’s challenges, but about approaching them with a different mindset. It’s about learning to live fully in the present, trusting that you don’t need to control everything to find peace. Through mindfulness, you develop the ability to release stress and anxiety, and to embrace the serenity that comes from letting go.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” When you let go of the things you cannot change, you make room for God’s peace to fill your heart.
So, practice the art of letting go. Release the burdens you’ve been carrying, trust in the present moment, and embrace the peace that mindfulness brings.
