Letting go can be an act of service

This morning my teacher reminded me that in these uncertain times, while everyone around the world is reassessing his or her values, letting go is more important than ever. 

It's hard for me to stay conscious while at work, because after all these years it's easy to run on autopilot. But when problems arise, I try to use the opportunity to let go - to relax and submit to the process, instead of getting frustrated.

I install window treatments. The other day, while installing shutters on a living room window, a little voice inside me said, "This is going to be one of your most challenging installations." And sure enough, every problem that could come up did. I had to use every trick in the book to get the shutters to swing freely and not bind up. But instead of freaking out, I just kept trying different approaches, and eventually it all worked out. I took the challenge and trusted my ability. And by relaxing into the problem, I let God work through me, whereas getting angry would have blocked the movement of Spirit. 

Letting go felt so much better than succumbing to frustration and anger. The customers felt better, too. Had I gotten irritated, I'm sure they would have felt it, and my presence in their home would have had a negative influence. But as it turned out, I may have made it easier for them to relax into their life problems as well. 

So, letting go was my act of service for the day.

Michael Maciel