Use the Warrior Poses to Let Go

Holding on as a habit

First, there is emotional familiarity. This can be compared to physical pain. It hurts to change a position that you have held for a long time. It can be uncomfortable to leave a position, even if you’re no longer comfortable. Anyone who has sat through a mediation session can attest to the pain of pins and needles. We tend to hold on to the things we love, even if they have disappeared.

This clenched grip becomes habitual, and the bones eventually grow to fit the shape like a tree can wrap an iron railing.

This is how emotional letting go happens: We’re so used to, so attached to the object, be it a physical or mental entity, that any movement sends shockwaves through the body, and alarm is raised.

Overcoming Resistance

In order to overcome this reflexive opposition, we must also face another challenge – the “better” thing that motivated us to change in the first instance. How many times have we let go of one thing only to grab even tighter to the next after releasing our grip? We may feel a sense of relief, but in reality, we are just switching one trapeze bar with another.

Even though it was thrilling and frightening for a moment, the release of tension was so brief that it was inconsequential.

Letting go is one of life’s most difficult and frightening experiences, especially when the reason is unclear and unknowable. The pain of letting go is much more real than “being happy.”

It is a bad idea to focus on one thing. It is impossible to predict the outcome, so why not be more open and let it unfold rather than trying to control it? This requires trust and faith in ourselves, the universe, and, most importantly, courage.

These are all qualities we can develop in a safe environment, such as our mats. All three Warrior Poses build courage, strength, endurance, and self-confidence. They also improve balance, openness, and our ability to let go.

Warrior I

The Warrior I pose is a powerful release, both physically and metaphysically. This pose activates our major lymphatic nodes located around the armpits or groin. This stimulates the expulsion and processing of waste from our bloodstream. The lymphatic system does not have a pump and relies on muscular contractions to move the lymph fluid throughout our body.

We are like antennas between the heavens and the earth. As we lift our hands and ground our feet, we draw in the light of the universe and release the gravity. The light backbend cleanses our whole body as it opens our hearts to this new moment.

Warrior II

Warrior II builds stamina, openness, and strength while stimulating lymphatic processes. We develop the ability to stretch simultaneously in all four directions – up, down, left, and right.

We remain strong and do not collapse under pressure, but we soften our shoulders and hearts.

Warrior III

Warrior III is a master of balance, strength, and concentration. It also demonstrates the potential for perfect stillness. Our only movement is the breath. As we lift our floating foot, the balance improves. This shows how effort creates weightlessness. Our standing leg is also a fulcrum that our past and our future balance in symmetry.

We can only grasp this moment — and the second we drift away, we will fall. This is perhaps the lesson we should all learn when we try to let go of what no longer serves us without comforting alternatives. The past and the future are both dreams. All we have is now — our strength and breath.

Finally, we must acknowledge and honor our grief. The end of an era has an emotional impact, and letting ourselves face our pain and experience it, rather than trying to ignore it, is crucial to the healing process. Any backbend helps heal the heart, but for this purpose, it’s good to be gentle — a soft Lunge, Parsvakonasana, or Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) can be nice. Still, my favorite is Extended Child’s Pose, just to let it all go.

Remember that love is not the absence of grief. Let the weight that you release make your balloon soar!