Imagine a teacher holding up a glass of water and asking the class, “How heavy is this glass of water?” Students shout out various answers, guessing the weight in ounces or grams. The teacher listens but then explains that the actual weight doesn’t matter.
What really matters is how long you hold it. If you hold the glass for a minute, it’s manageable. If you hold it for an hour, your arm starts to ache. If you hold it all day, your arm goes numb and begins to feel paralyzed. The weight of the glass hasn’t changed, but the longer you hold onto it, the heavier it feels.
If we don’t deal with our challenges, the glass gets heavier and heavier. Holding onto stress, worries, or unresolved issues only increases the weight we carry, making it harder to bear over time.
When we practice avoidance instead of acceptance, we don’t release the weight—instead, we add to it. Consciously choosing to let go, even little by little, helps lighten the load.
The lesson here is that stress and problems are like that glass of water. If we hold onto them briefly, they’re manageable. But if we hold onto them too long, they become unbearable. The real key to resilience is not in how strong we are at holding on, but in how willing we are to set things down.
Letting go, addressing challenges directly, and finding healthy ways to cope—such as taking breaks or seeking peace—can help us release what no longer serves us, preventing the burden from becoming unbearable and allowing us to regain strength and balance.
Reflection questions based on the story of the glass of water and the concept of letting go:
- What are the “glasses of water” I am holding onto in my life right now? How long have I been carrying them, and how are they impacting me?
- In what areas am I practicing avoidance rather than acceptance? How is this impacting my ability to find peace or move forward?
- What small steps can I take to consciously start letting go of stress or unresolved issues in my life?
- How do I usually cope with challenges, and what healthier strategies might help me set down my burdens instead of holding onto them?
- Who or what can support me in releasing the burdens I’m carrying, and how can I invite that support into my life?
These questions can encourage reflection on holding onto stress, practicing release, and finding new ways to lighten the load.
Meditation Prompt
“Releasing the Weight” Meditation
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Imagine holding a glass of water in your hand. At first, it feels light, but with each passing moment, the glass begins to feel heavier and heavier. Notice the strain building in your hand, your arm, your shoulder.
Now, ask yourself: What am I holding onto in my life that feels like this glass?
Take a few moments to reflect on any stress, worry, or unresolved issue that’s adding weight to your life. As you breathe in deeply, imagine the heaviness softening. With each exhale, allow yourself to consciously let go of this weight, releasing it from your grip.
Picture yourself setting the glass down. Feel the relief that comes from releasing the burden. Let your breath carry this sense of ease throughout your body.
Repeat to yourself, “I am willing to let go. I am open to release.”
When you’re ready, gently open your eyes, carrying this sense of lightness with you into the rest of your day.
