Letting Be

In his new book with Paul Condon, John Makransky offers the practice of Letting Be of Body, Breath, and Mind. This practice is also referred to as the Three Naturals, as we let the body, breath, and mind settle into their own natural relaxed state; free of control, free of goals, free of tension.

They then elaborate on the significance of the phrase “Letting be” or “Let be” as it is used in this practice. (Quotes are from How Compassion Works)

“According to emerging perspectives in cognitive science, the mind organizes itself around goals.”

We actually perceive and interpret the world based on whatever goals are present in the mind, moment to moment.

“This focus on goals has practical implications for contemplative practice. Adhering to goals supports the conceptual processes that tend to hide qualities of our buddha nature. Relaxing such goals releases those processes so underlying qualities of our buddha nature can more freely emerge.
….. In any moment that we experience an emotional pull or pattern of thought, try to notice the goal that is operating in that experience.
….. As the tight conceptual construction of a narrow self that is focused on its goals releases, underlying qualities of openness, warmth, simplicity, equanimity, and so forth from our buddha nature are naturally manifest more fully.”

Within our practice, when we recognize the feeling tone of clinging to a specific goal or outcome, we don’t need to contemplate or analyze the reason for the arising. When we recognize the arising, we can simply release any gripping or holding onto the goal or concept, relax the mind and body around any tension that accompanies the arising, and gently return to our object of meditation with a sense of loving care.

This same principle applies, not just during formal mediation sessions, but also during our daily life. When we notice any type of unease, discomfort, anxiety, or tension arising during the day, we can take a short pause. Recognizing the feeling that is arising, we can take a deep breath, release the grip on the outcome we are clinging to (or trying to push away), relax the mind and body around that tension, and gently return to our activity with the support that is always present within our field of care.

Release : Relax : Smile

If we are able to practice this way over time, the release of tension and opening to the qualities of loving care, for ourselves and others, becomes a natural supportive habit for our spiritual growth. We naturally release tension as it arises and open ourselves to the qualities of our buddha nature in all areas of life, bringing more peace and joy into our own lives, and extending that loving care to others.