What Works: The Labor of Letting Go


This is the first Labor Day I didn’t force myself to work. After the Temple Burn at Burning Man, I decided I needed to dedicate a little time today to a different kind of work. That work was emotional in nature.

See, the Temple Burn on the Playa is a somber moment. It’s a time of reflection, letting go, and grief. The purpose is to release pain, bad habits, and what no longer serves.

People bring items to the Temple to burn to assist in that cleansing. They write dedications and affirmations on the walls of the Temple. Then, on Sunday night at Burning Man, the Temple burns. The flames eat away at that pain and release happens.

The Morris Burner Hostel in Reno has a Temple burn every year. Unlike the big burn at Burning Man, people can see their pieces consumed by flame up close.

So, when my piece “Let go of my old life and old tools” landed in front of where I was sitting, It was stunning. The words faced me. Even though the piece was small, it took a full hour for the fire to consume the piece of wood. It was such a testament to how I hold onto things.

One of my old tools was to work as long as there is work on the table. I had a project to quote today. I was also tired from spending the long weekend participating in Burn Week activities. I took a different path. I allowed myself to rest and restore. I took a nap. I am an achiever, someone who likes to tick points of success off her list on a daily basis. So, pulling full stop for a nap is an achievement.

Self-care allowed me to bring a clear mind to the table to quote the project. It also allowed me to gain inspiration for this article and articulate myself. The Temple cleanse worked. I let go of the old tool of “work until it gets done no matter the personal cost.”

And I used a new one, “deliver quality through providing myself with self-care.

What old tools are you trying to release? If you would like to let go of a tendency to regret the past, you might want to attend this workshop. I am teaching “Beyond the List: Advanced Gratitude Journaling.” It's at Gaia Wellness this Friday night at 6:30 pm.

The class is only $10 and only 25 students can buy tickets. We are about half full right now. Gratitude is a great way to let go as well as create more good in your life. It’s a tool which goes so far beyond a typical gratitude list. In the class, we will go seven layers deep.

Each time, we will discover a new way to express gratitude in writing. We will also unearth the difference between venting and gratitude journaling. There is a purpose for both. Yet, too much venting can perpetuate more pain. We’ll talk about that too. I hope to see you there. Buy your tickets here.

SEE ME SPEAK LIVE IN CARSON CITY

September 9, 2016 at 6:30 PM: “Beyond the List: Advanced Gratitude Journaling” @Gaia Wellness – Limit 25 students – Tickets: $10. Purchase your ticket here.

September 10, 2016 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: “Weird Carson City” Book Signing, Guest of Sandie La Nae and Arline La Ferry. Speaking at 12:30.



October 8, 2016 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Women’s Conference 2016 at The Carson Nugget. Closing speaker at 3:00 PM. Go here for tickets.

What Works Coaching
Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, a business coaching and marketing services firm based in Carson City. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino. She is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.