The Loving Power of Letting Go of Attachments

Have you ever given up something you cherished? Something you were given that meant a great deal to you? Something you never in a million years expected you'd ever give to someone else?

I certainly didn't expect to give away the item I brought with me for Terry Tillman's presentation at Afest.

Though I'd forgotten it in my room, what I'd brought for the exercise was a glass ladybug resting in a silky white bed inside a little red box. It was given to me by my best friend for Christmas one year. On the inside of the lid was a poem about what a friend is.

This ladybug was very special to me. It came at a time when making friends was very challenging. At a time when I was quite vulnerable. From someone I'd been friends with since about 17 years old.

But something very interesting happened when Terry announced we consider giving up the item.

Even though I didn't have it with me, I knew who I'd be giving the item to. And it wasn't, Laila, the person I was partnered with.

Jolie and I had made a remarkable connection at Afest in Mexico last year. But I always felt as though we hadn't completed our connection. Even though I didn't know what more there was to it. I just trusted in my heart.

Laila completely understood.

On two occasions, I saw Jolie. But neither was an appropriate time. We were both surrounded by other people.

Then after lunch one day, I was on my way back to the ballroom for the afternoon session. Lunch time had been laced with very heavy conversation. I felt the need to lift the heaviness with a short meditation.

I found a relatively quiet area away from the ballroom and did some deep breathing and clearing.

Then I heard someone yell out that the session was about to start. I tend to follow the rules, so I got up from my chair and started on my way.

But for some unknown reason, I was compelled to stop at a chair across from the restrooms. Something was urging me to write a couple of notes to people I had met. Not typical for me to do something like this when I was expected somewhere else.

I didn't sit down, but instead leaned down to the seat of the chair to follow the guidance that I was being provided with. I quickly wrote two notes.

Then I realized that Afest was winding down. That I might not have the opportunity to reconnect with Jolie before it ended. So I went to grab another little sheet of paper that already had Jolie's name on the top. I'd been holding off until we did speak. But now seemed the right time.

Then someone gently tapped me on the shoulder. When I looked up, it was Jolie. WOW! I couldn't believe the synchronicity! What a golden opportunity the Universe had provided!

So I asked her how her year had been. She shared that so many positive things had happened to her. Including getting engaged to a wonderful guy. I was so happy for her.

Then I told her about the ladybug and what it meant to me. And then I gave it to her.

She was so touched. But me? I was filled with love. Pure unconditional LOVE.

And though this may not have been the purpose of Terry's exercise of letting go of attachments, I was more than willing to go with the feelings and emotions I was experiencing in that moment.

I have since learned a bit more about the significance of receiving a ladybug from the website experience project:

This tiny little beetle brings with it a powerful message. Because the life cycle of the adult ladybug is short it teaches us how to release worries and enjoy our lives to the fullest.  When it appears in our life it is telling us to "let go and let God."

I don't really believe in "God" as so many people do. But I do believe in tapping into my heart space.

I gave out of LOVE. And now, when the time is right for Jolie, she too will let it go. Gifting it to someone else. Passing on the LOVE.

Perfection.