“If you think you are enlightened go spend a week with your family!” ~ Ram Das

Well, this past month, I did just that. I visited my 90 year old dad in Cape Coral, Florida. Although, I never thought I was enlightened, I was curious to see if I had worked through most of my family related issues. I also felt that somehow seeing him, maybe for the last time, would bring a profound healing for the two of us.

My relationship with my dad has been a rocky one to say the least and I have spent several years working through the sadness and emotional pain of growing up in a dysfunctional family.

Over the years, through yoga and yoga therapy I realized that I needed to forgive this man so that I could move on and go forward and find a happy life. The Let It Go Yoga practice showed me first hand that even though I had gained a lot from traditional talk therapy, I still held memories, resentment and anger in my body! It didn’t happen all at once but as I practiced Let It Go Yoga, I began to release some very deep emotions. As I did this work I felt lighter and was not triggered by thoughts and memories that use to haunt me. And although none of my family members would speak to him, I was able to forge a civilized relationship with my dad, we have a had a few visits and phone calls over the years.

It has been about 10 years since I saw my dad in person and I was very surprised to see how well he is physically and how sharp he is mentally. But the fairy tale ending to this story is not for this chapter of my life. I found that my dad had not changed much over the years. He did not express any regret for his actions and had no apologies for the pain he caused me, my mother or our family. I walked away with even more resolve that my dad will never be the loving father/grandfather that I would like him to be.

More importantly though, I was able to see how practicing Let It Go Yoga had helped me change over years. Although it was disappointing that he will never be a great dad I wish I had, I did get to see that he has no power over me. I stood my ground, I said what I needed to say, I did not become angry or upset. I saw his true nature and realized that it has nothing to do with me.

Friends who know my story, have asked me, how did you survive this situation and become the person you are today? My only response is “ Let It Go Yoga saved my life!” This practice empowered me. it taught me that having been raised in a dysfunctional family does not define me. I worked hard and still do to overcome the hardships and heartbreak that have affected me on so many levels. Let It Go Yoga is not just for increasing your flexibility and physical health. Let It Go Yoga facilitates emotional release. Let It Go Yoga has allowed me to recognize and release deep seated trauma, fear and beliefs that held me back in life. It has helped me let go and move on and create a life of fulfillment and love. Practicing Let It Go Yoga has not completely erased my unwanted memories or redefined the past but it has given me the strength and courage to stand up for myself, see the truth in situations and address the emotions that have been stored up in over the years.

I feel that Let It Go Yoga is the tool that allowed me to go back and visit and forgive. To give my dad a hug, tell him I love him and accept him as he is. I hope my story inspires any of you who may come from less that perfect situations, to do your end of the work. Even if the other party is not involved. Do it for yourself. Learn to let it go. The Introduction to Let It Go Yoga online course is a great place to start. In this course I share the best tools that I have found for releasing emotions. You may not become enlightened but I am sure you will feel lighter.

Sue Anne Parsons 500 EYT, CYT – owner of Let It Go Yoga since 1986

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