I’ve been reading Oren Jay Sofer’s new book, “Your Heart was Made for This” in preparation for interviewing him on the podcast.
He has really nice chapters on qualities and foundational skills for training your heart, mind, and body for healing such as attention, concentration, integrity, curiosity and many others.
One that struck me is about Renunciation – an act or instance of relinquishing, abandoning, repudiating, or sacrificing something, as a right, title, person, or ambition.
This may be foods, a relationship that’s not good for you, a habit or perhaps something else you have decided you don’t need in your life.
Oren says we need two things to help us renunciate.
Resilience and proper support
As Oren says, “Yes, renunciation entails restraint . . . but in Buddhism its aim is fulfillment, not self-mortification.” And “What happens if you think of it as simplicity, nonaddiction, letting go, or relinquishment?”
What a lovely way to think about it. Instead of giving something up we’re moving towards fulfillment in our lives. Towards a way of being that’s more satisfying.
The support is to actually feel your feelings . . .
. . . the ones that come up when you’re trying to give up something.
Because it’s hard! Because lots of feelings come up! Particularly in the face of constant messages about consuming, purchasing, having it “all.”
So often these days we decide to renunciate something / someone before we have the support lined up. And then we fail.
I want you to know that it’s ok to try again. And again. And again. As many times as you need to.
But know that support is so important. And helps make it more likely that you’ll succeed. Line it up first, not last.
Before you go, remember to get your Free Hypnosis to reduce Fear and Anxiety!
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Peace and Health,
Dr. Liz
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