Drifting Into Summer, One Surrender at a Time

sunrise at summer solstice last year

6/18/25

Somehow, summer is here. How did that happen? Wasn’t it just winter... like, last week? Time seems to move in mysterious ways lately. So much has unfolded in these past few months.

At the end of May, I had the good fortune of facilitating a retreat at a Tibetan Buddhist Center in Crestone—a place I deeply love. It’s one of those rare spots that feels like it opens its arms to anyone who shows up. The experience was rich, and yes, full of learning—even about myself.

In my usual overzealous fashion, I scheduled just a little too much. I lined up several talks, thinking I’d deliver them with poise and polish. But the truth is, I had no desire (or energy) to memorize them all. And as it turns out, “presentation” was not what was being asked of me.

What was really being called for was... letting go.

There was a clear sense that I needed to trust something larger than myself—to allow whatever wisdom might flow through me in the moment. I had a few notes and some beautiful poems as guideposts, but ultimately, I had to step aside and surrender to the unfolding.

It required faith.And the funny thing? The more I let go, the more graceful and easeful everything became.

It turns out that this applies to life in general.

Letting go can be a little unnerving. (Anyone else feel a small internal cringe at the very idea?) Still, if we look closely, life offers us daily invitations to release—to unclench our fists around what we think we know or control.

We catch a cold and have to cancel everything. We get into a disagreement with someone we love—do we want to be right, or do we want to be connected?

And then there’s politics.

A friend recently shared that someone she’d been close to for 25 years ended their friendship because of a political difference. Just like that. It made me wonder: When we’re at the end of our lives, what will matter more—being “right” or having loved and been loved?

Letting go also applies to the sneaky, deep-rooted beliefs we carry about ourselves. You’d think we’d be eager to release anything that limits us, but it’s often the hardest work. We live in mental boxes built from years of conditioning. And it usually takes something—an experience, a person, a poem, a breakdown—to help pry those lids open.

A few years ago, I had an experience in an expanded state of consciousness. In that space, I was shown that I am infinite possibility—brilliant and boundless. (BTW, so are you.) But instead of basking in that truth, I found myself arguing for my limitations.

It was kind of hilarious—and totally revealing. It took me months to accept what had been shown to me in an instant.

So, what might life be nudging you to let go of today?

Here are a few pathways to explore the art of letting go:

1. Question your thoughts – From Byron Katie:

   1. Is it true?

   2. Can you absolutely know it’s true?

   3. How do you react when you believe that thought?

   4. Who would you be without it?

2. Ask yourself – Does it really serve you to keep holding onto this? (Whether it’s a belief, a story, a person, a plan, or a grudge.)

3. Meditation – Even five minutes of stillness can work wonders.

4. Acknowledge what is – Give your current experience space.

5. Breathe deeply – Obvious, yes. Effective, absolutely.

6. Therapeutic support – Therapy, somatic work, or healing processes.

7. Plant medicine journeys – With the right setting and support.

8. Bodywork – Because our bodies hold so much we’re not even aware of.

9. Practice presence – One breath, one moment at a time.

10. Receive support – A teacher, a guide, a trusted mirror can be invaluable.

    
    

Letting go and surrendering isn’t about giving up—it’s about softening into what’s real. It’s an ongoing practice, not a one-time event.

Wishing you surprising lightness, ease, and perhaps a few good belly laughs in this endless journey of letting go.