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The Path to Peace: How "Letting Go" Opens a Door to Miracles
- Rev. Lora Nedkov
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
In our fast-paced world, we're taught to hold on tight, to control every outcome, and to chase after the next big thing. But what if the true path to peace lies in doing the exact opposite? What if the secret to a richer, more fulfilling life is simply to let go?
For those of us who study A Course in Miracles (ACIM), this isn't just a feel-good phrase—it's the central practice of spiritual awakening. It’s the undoing of the ego's control, allowing a profound, divine reality to emerge.
The ego's grip: Why we hold on so tightly
Our egos thrive on control. They believe that if we can just micromanage our lives, our relationships, and even other people, we will be safe. This belief is rooted in the fear of separation, the deep-seated illusion that we are alone and vulnerable in the world.
This is why we cling to:
Outcomes: We become attached to things turning out a certain way, and when they don't, we experience disappointment, anger, and anxiety.
Grievances: We hold onto resentments against others, fueling the illusion of being a victim. ACIM teaches that every problem can be traced back to a grievance, which only serves to imprison our own peace of mind.
Perceptions: We believe our interpretations of the world are absolute truth. The ego insists we are correct, and this need to be right keeps us from seeing with a more loving vision.
Letting go: The pathway to miracles
In ACIM, "letting go" is the practice of surrendering these egoic thoughts and beliefs to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is not a passive surrender, but an active, conscious choice to step back and allow a higher wisdom to lead.
This practice facilitates several key shifts:
Undoing the ego: By willingly giving up your investment in negative thoughts, you begin to dismantle the ego's thought system. You start to see that fear, judgment, and anger are not who you are.
Releasing grievances: When you surrender a grievance, you choose to forgive. Forgiveness in ACIM isn't about excusing someone's behaviour; it's about seeing beyond the error to the truth of their being. This radical forgiveness is what truly sets you free.
Inviting a new perception: As you let go of your old thoughts, you open your mind to a new way of seeing. A "miracle," according to the Course, is this shift in perception—the moment you choose love over fear. The world itself doesn't change, but your experience of it does, and this internal shift is palpable.
Trusting in a higher plan: Releasing your need to control is an act of faith. It’s embracing the profound trust that you are supported and guided by a benevolent universe. This trust allows you to move with the flow of life, rather than fighting against it.
How to practice letting go in daily life
This process involves small, intentional steps.
Observe thoughts without judgment. When a fearful or resentful thought arises, simply notice it without believing or acting on it.
Offer it up. Consciously say, "I give this thought to the Holy Spirit." The goal is to release attachment, not fix the thought.
Ask for guidance. Request a new perspective by asking, "Show me what this really means" or "Help me see this through the eyes of love."
Embrace the present moment. The ego focuses on the past and future. Practice resting in the present, knowing that peace is always available here.
When incorporating this practice, the burden of control begins to lift. Life doesn’t require constant effort to force outcomes. Instead, a quiet, powerful presence will be discovered that already has everything planned—if you are willing to let go and receive it.
