It is more important than ever to have simple tools that we can use in the moment to release emotions as they are arising—including anxiety, overwhelm and frustration. So much of the world today is enmeshed in the culture and, I believe, ideology based on neoliberal economic theory. Two principles of this leading theory are scarcity (limited supply) and that self-interest drives human behavior. It is easy to see how our feelings of competition, isolation—believing we can rely only on ourselves, and scarcity or lack arise from this foundation.

Regardless of your beliefs or the contributing causes, the simple truth is that  we are inundated with messages each and every day that can lead to, initiate, or even amplify the stress in our lives. As countless studies have shown, stress seriously impacts our mental and physical health and can erode our sense of well being and satisfaction in our lives at a minimum.  

Our minds are wonderful tools, designed to solve problems. We can understand how our minds may determine there is a problem to be fixed when we are feeling that we don’t have enough and must compete to get what we need, adding to our sense of concern and separation.

We may feel overwhelmed or not able to cope with everything, which is the definition of stress. Without a way to release or let go of these emotions, our minds can get caught in loops of wanting to protect us resulting in increased anxiety, difficulty in sleeping through the night, or the inability to find peace in the barrage of thoughts. There are articles describing the increase in people being treated for anxiety and depression over the past several decades, including high school and college students.

When we are able to release these feelings, not only do we feel better, but we free our mind to focus on solutions to real problems rather than being caught in the spin of emotions. I have tried many different personal growth and self-development tools over the past couple of decades working with emotions and situations that have periodically arisen from having diabetes since I was two years old.

Of all these tools, The Sedona Method® has enabled me to let go of emotions and limitations quickly and easily, and in the moment they are arising. Using simple questions, I have been able to let go of uncomfortable feelings, as they arise rather than suffering with them until I have some time alone to meditate. When I have some time, it has allowed me to safely and comfortably peel back layers of thoughts and feelings and release basic human drives of wanting control, acceptance, security and separation/oneness. I did not have to relive these experiences nor take years to release them.

Be assured—releasing or letting go is a skill we all hold innately from the moment we were born. Laughter is a natural form of emotional release. Over time, most of us simply forget this skill through our social conditioning which often focuses on the suppression of our feelings rather than inappropriately expressing emotion. Through self inquiry—asking ourselves some simple questions—or by simply welcoming the emotions—we are able to let them go to reveal more of our true nature—that of peace, love, and joy.

The Sedona Method® is not a substitute for right action. It allows us to release the emotional charge so that any action we do take is from a neutral and centered place. I have found it to be a wonderful complement to many other practices that I use, including meditation, allopathic and alternative healing.

The Sedona Method® has been used by thousands of people over its almost three-decade history. The mission of Sedona Training Associates is to “support you in alleviating your physical and emotional suffering and liberating your natural inner freedom to have, be and do whatever your heart desires.”

Within The Sedona Method®, there are many ways to work with the memories, issues or emotions that arise. The easiest method that you can use, even in the heat of a conflict or strong emotions is to simply welcome—allow yourself to open on the inside—so that the emotion (energy in motion) can pass through you. Too often we are trying to suppress or resist the uncomfortable feeling/energy which actually holds it in place.  

If you would like to add a more active release, you can ask yourself this series of questions using either the first person (I) or second person (you).

• Could you let the feeling go? (This is simply asking if you are able to let it go, which is always yes).
• Would you let it go? (This is asking if you are willing to let it go. Be honest with yourself, both yes and no are perfectly acceptable. On the rare occasion when I say no, I usually laugh and let it go anyway).
• When? (If you were willing to let it go, this is an invitation to do it “now”).

There are many ways to learn and practice the techniques made available through The Sedona Method® including books, a movie, online community and products, working with a coach and retreats. I encourage you to explore these simple tools that will support you in letting go of the emotions and limitations obscuring the peace, love and joy present and available in every moment.