letting go

[befriend]

hello
there are more than one method of letting go of distracting thoughts and or feelings. i am wondering is it a correct practice to simply say the phrase let go, when an uwanted thought appears. ive noticed by doing this i immediately exhale, as if my body is releasing the negativity. do you think there is aversion in this method or is it a sure bet. thank you. metta, befriend

[bodom]

Ajahn Sumedho:

The practice of 'letting go' is very effective for minds obsessed by compulsive thinking: you simplify your meditation practice down to just two words – 'letting go' – rather than try to develop this practice and then develop that; and achieve this and go into that, and understand this, and read the Suttas, and study the Abhidhamma... and then learn Pali and Sanskrit... then the Madhyamika and the Prajña Paramita... get ordinations in the Hinayana, Mahayana, Vajrayana... write books and become a world renowned authority on Buddhism. Instead of becoming the world's expert on Buddhism and being invited to great International Buddhist Conferences, just 'let go, let go, let go'.

http://www.vipassanadhura.com/lettinggo.html

[befriend]

very good, so it does seem like that can be a legitamite practice, just say let go let go.

[Eccedustin]

If it works for you, then do it. I don't see it as necessary for me, at least.