Letting go sounds simple on the surface. We’re often told to “just let go,” as if it's an easy task. But anyone who’s tried knows it’s anything but passive. Letting go requires an active process of healing, facing the ego, and diving deep into the shadows of the self—a journey that takes immense courage and emotional strength.

At the heart of letting go is healing the ego. Our ego is the voice that keeps us attached to our wounds, our stories, and our pain. It whispers that we need to hold onto the past because, without it, we might not know who we are. The ego thrives on control, convincing us that by holding on tightly to what hurts us, we are protecting ourselves. But this is a false shield. Healing the ego means realizing that it’s okay to let go of the things that no longer serve us. It means surrendering control and trusting the process of life.

Ajita Shah teaches that letting go requires self-compassion, and part of this journey involves shadow work. The “shadow” represents the parts of ourselves we have hidden, ignored, or disowned. These are often the parts that hold deep-rooted fears, unhealed wounds, and pain. Shadow work is the process of gently bringing those hidden aspects into the light, not to judge them, but to heal them. It is in this deep and often uncomfortable work where true transformation happens. Letting go is not simply forgetting; it’s actively working through the layers of hurt, resentment, and disappointment. By facing the shadows, we make space to heal.

Imagine carrying around a heavy backpack full of old memories, regrets, and unresolved emotions. As long as you hold onto it, the weight remains. Each step forward is harder, slower. Letting go doesn’t mean throwing the backpack away without a second glance—it means opening it up, sorting through what’s inside, and choosing to release the things that weigh you down. It’s a process of healing the ego by telling it: “It’s okay to no longer carry this.”

Another important aspect of letting go is releasing expectations—expectations of how things should be, how people should act, or how life should unfold. These expectations often create resistance, which blocks the flow of healing. Letting go means trusting that life has a rhythm, and we are a part of that rhythm. It’s about surrendering, not in defeat, but in trust.True letting go, as Ajita explains, is an act of liberation. By doing the inner work, facing our shadows, and healing our egos, we free ourselves from the chains of the past. We open up space for peace, joy, and new possibilities to flow into our lives. It’s not passive—it’s the most active, powerful work we can do for ourselves.