“When I hold on to the wrong things, the wrong things hold on to me.”
Photo by Daniel Olah on Unsplash
One of the most unlikely practices that have helped me learn to release some things is by standing on my head. Not metaphorically, but actually, physically standing on my head.
I’ve been delightfully surprised at the simple lessons I’ve learned while physically practicing this inversion – but the truth is we can practice standing on our head even if we never get upside down. It’s all about perspective.
In my own personal practice of letting go this month, I’m realizing I need to let go of the version of myself who feels like she always has to be productive.
Here are 3 things the headstand is helping me to let go of in order to make room for something good.
Links + Resources From This Episode:
- The Jesus Way: A Conversation on the Ways that Jesus is the Way by Eugene Peterson
- The Next Right Thing Podcast Episode 01: Become a Soul Minimalist
- Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker Palmer
- Find me on Instagram @emilypfreeman
- Get the monthly letter here
Thank you! As a new mother of adult children, it’s easy to let my mind spin out of control with my thoughts/worries of the future. Your words were like medicine this morning. All things I already knew….. but I need constant reminders of. Your creative reminder will have me standing on my head more and opening my heart and hands to whatever the Lord has for me next.❤️
I have listened to this episode three times this morning, and I’ll probably listen/read again. This met me right where I am at, but encouraged me not to stay there. Thank you for your words, Emily. They are making a difference.
“When I hold on to the wrong things, the wrong things hold on to me.”
—John Freeman
Such words of deep wisdom! Thanks, Emily’s husband! <3
I tend to be serious and intense, so that part where you said laughter lets the beginner in you come out to play without judgments was something I knew was true yet had never articulated before. Also this: “What we could
accomplish yesterday might not be available to us today. This is not something to criticize ourselves for or to feel ashamed of or embarrassed over, rather let this be an opportunity to embrace humility and lean into our smallness instead of trying to run away from it.” I have chronic health issues that sometimes make me spend a day on the sofa doing nothing and it is a source of much frustration to me. I’d rather spend my precious life living life. I will hold onto these words and think on them. Thank you.
Thank you so much! You settle me and give me permission to be myself and laugh. Your words always strike a cord with my heart, but especially this time. I have experienced panic attacks all week and this message was balm to my anxious heart. Adjusting to my identity as a widow, facing decisions about building a new home, downsizing, letting go of who I have always been to embrace who God wants me to be AND filling the pulpit for the pastor that died unexpectedly in January has left me frazzled. You gave me space to breath. Thank you seems inadequate.