In this article: Discover the best yoga poses for letting go and their benefits!
In the midst of our fast-paced lives, finding moments of solace becomes essential to rediscover our inner peace.
The practice of yoga opens a world where physical tension melts away, and the burdens of the mind are gently released.
It offers a path to liberation and allows us to shed the weight of what no longer serves us.
Regardless of your experience level, the ten yoga poses I’ve selected for this post will definitely help you create space for healing.
Read on to discover some of the best yoga poses for letting go and their unique benefits.
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What is the yoga concept of letting go?
In yoga philosophy, the concept of letting go is closely related to the principle of non-attachment or “Vairagya.”
Letting go in yoga refers to releasing attachments and expectations both on and off the mat.
It involves cultivating a state of surrender, acceptance, and detachment from the fluctuations of the mind and external circumstances.
Here are some key aspects of the yoga concept of letting go:
Non-attachment
Letting go involves cultivating a mindset of non-attachment, where you detach yourself from the desire for specific outcomes. It means letting go of the need to control or hold on tightly to things, ideas, or experiences.
Acceptance
To let go you also need to accept things as they are in the present moment, without judgment or resistance. It means embracing the reality of the present and finding contentment within it.
Surrender
If you want to find peace of mind, you need to surrender to the flow of life.
It means releasing the urge to constantly strive, resist, or force things to happen according to your expectations. Instead, you surrender to the natural rhythm and wisdom of life.
Releasing mental and emotional patterns
Letting go also involves releasing negative thought patterns, limiting beliefs, and emotional attachments that no longer serve you.
It involves recognizing and releasing any mental or emotional baggage that may be holding you back.
Cultivating mindfulness
Mindfulness is a key practice in letting go.
By being fully present and aware of each moment, you develop the ability to observe your thoughts, emotions, and sensations. This awareness allows you to let go of unnecessary attachments.
Trusting the process
You’ve probably heard this phrase many times before. It means having faith that everything happens for a reason and that you are being guided towards your highest good, even if the path is uncertain or challenging.
Detachment from ego
You’ll need to transcend the ego’s need for validation and control if you want to release what no longer serves you.
It involves recognizing that your true essence is not defined by external achievements, possessions, or circumstances.
10 Yoga Poses For Letting Go
You can practice yoga poses for letting go to cultivate a sense of freedom, inner peace, and resilience.
It allows you to experience life with greater ease, acceptance, and joy, embracing each moment as it unfolds.
Below, you’ll find 10 of the best yoga poses to practice for letting go of whatever is holding you back:
1. Child’s Pose – Balasana
In the world of yoga, few poses offer as much relief as Child’s Pose or Balasana.
To get into this restorative posture, start by kneeling on your mat, with your big toes touching and your knees hip-width apart.
Gently lower your torso between your thighs and extend your arms forward, allowing your forehead to rest softly on the mat.
As you settle into this humble position, let your breath deepen and flow naturally.
Child’s Pose offers a gentle reminder to let go, both physically and mentally.
It soothes the tension held in the back, shoulders, and mind.
In this nurturing pose, you can allow yourself to find peace and tranquility.
2. Legs Up The Wall Pose – Viparita Karani
Legs Up The Wall Pose, also known as Viparita Karani, is a deeply restorative yoga posture that encourages you to surrender.
To get into the pose, find an open space near a wall and sit on the floor with your feet on the ground.
Slowly lower your upper body onto the ground as you swing your legs up against the wall.
Wiggle your body closer to the wall until your sit bones are against it.
Allow your arms to rest by your sides, palms facing up, and close your eyes.
In this gentle inversion, your legs are elevated, facilitating blood flow and lymphatic drainage while relieving tension in your lower body.
As you relax into the pose, you may feel a sense of grounding and tranquility washing over you.
Legs Up The Wall Pose encourages a deep state of relaxation, calms the nervous system, and helps release physical and mental stress.
It is a perfect pose to practice when you need to let go, unwind, and rejuvenate your entire being.
3. Puppy Pose – Anahatasana
Puppy Pose is a gentle and soothing posture that helps you let go of tension.
To do this pose, start in a tabletop position on your hands and knees with your wrists aligned beneath your shoulders and your knees beneath your hips.
Walk your hands forward, slowly lowering your chest towards the floor while keeping your hips elevated.
Allow your forehead to rest gently on the mat or a block, and let your heart melt towards the ground.
Puppy Pose is especially beneficial for releasing tension in the shoulders, upper back, and neck.
It gently stretches the spine and opens the heart, inviting a sense of calm and tranquility.
Embrace the stillness of this pose, allowing any stress or worries to dissolve as you surrender to the present moment.
4. Thread The Needle Pose – Parsva Balasana
Thread the Needle Pose, also known as Parsva Balasana, is another deeply relaxing and grounding yoga pose that is great for letting go.
To get into the pose, start in a tabletop position on your hands and knees.
From there, slide your right arm underneath your left arm, lowering your right shoulder and cheek to the mat.
Extend your left arm forward, feeling a gentle stretch in your upper back and shoulder.
Take a few deep breaths and allow your body to soften and release any tension.
This pose helps to open the shoulders, release tightness in the upper back, and calm the mind.
Stay in the pose for a few breaths or as long as feels comfortable, then gently release and switch sides.
Practicing Thread the Needle Pose is a gentle way to release both physical and mental tension.
5. Corpse Pose – Savasana
Corpse Pose is a posture that truly embodies surrender and deep relaxation.
This yoga pose is also incredibly simple and accessible to yogis of all levels.
To get into this relaxing posture, find a comfortable space where you can lay flat on your back.
Gently close your eyes, allowing your arms to fall naturally by your sides, palms facing up.
Feel the gentle rise and fall of your breath as you begin to let go of any lingering tension or negative thoughts you may have.
As you rest in stillness, try to find a profound sense of relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal.
This pose invites you to let go of worries or attachments, allowing the body and mind to experience a deep sense of ease and tranquility.
6. Pigeon Pose – Kapotasana
The next posture you can try to let go of things that no longer serve you is Pigeon Pose.
To gracefully sink into this beautiful hip-opening asana, begin in a high plank position.
Draw your right knee forward, placing it behind your right wrist.
Slide your left leg back, extending it long and ensuring your hips are squared.
To get deeper into the pose you can gently lower your upper body down, folding forward over your front leg and allowing your forehead to rest on the mat.
Pigeon Pose encourages you to let go of any stored tension in the hips, glutes, and lower back.
It’s also an invitation to release emotional baggage that may have nestled deep within you.
Breathe deeply and embrace the sensations that arise.
7. Standing Forward Fold – Uttanasana
Standing Forward Fold, also known as Uttanasana, is a beautiful and introspective posture that allows us to let go of our worries.
To enter this pose, stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and soften your knees slightly.
As you exhale, slowly hinge forward from your hips, allowing your upper body to gracefully descend towards your legs.
Let your arms hang loosely or gently hold onto your elbows.
Feel the gentle stretch along the back of your legs and spine.
As you surrender into this pose, find space to let go of worries, stress, and expectations.
Take this opportunity to breathe deeply, letting go of any tension with each exhale.
Allow the soothing energy of the pose to wash over you, promoting a state of inner stillness.
8. Gate Pose – Parighasana
Also known as Parighasana, Gate Pose is a wonderful yoga posture that promotes a sense of spaciousness.
Start by kneeling on the floor with your legs together.
Extend your right leg out to the side, knee directly over your ankle.
Slowly inhale as you raise your left arm overhead, feeling the stretch along the left side of your body.
Exhale and gently bend to the right, resting your right hand on the floor or a prop if needed.
As you hold the pose, focus on the sensation of expansion and allow your tension to melt away.
Gate Pose encourages you to let go of limitations or emotional blockages.
As you breathe deeply and remain present in this pose, take the time to release any negative thoughts or emotions.
Allow them to dissipate and create space for tranquility and inner peace to flow in.
9. Dolphin Pose – Ardha Pincha Mayurasana
Many yoga poses are named after animals, and Dolphin Pose is one of them.
If you want to do this pose, start on all fours with your knees directly below your hips and your forearms parallel to each other on the mat.
Gently tuck your toes under, lift your hips up towards the sky, and slowly walk your feet closer to your hands until your body forms an inverted “V” shape.
Relax your head and neck. As you settle into the pose, feel the soothing stretch in your shoulders, upper back, and hamstrings.
Dolphin Pose, reminiscent of the playful and carefree nature of dolphins, is one of the best poses to let go.
The grounding connection between your head forearms and the mat provides stability and allows you to delve deeper into relaxation.
With each mindful breath, you invite calmness into your body, mind, and soul.
So let go, immerse yourself in the flow of this enchanting pose, and experience the freedom and lightness that it brings.
10. Seated Forward Fold – Paschimottanasana
Seated Forward Fold, also known as Paschimottanasana, is a rejuvenating yoga pose that promotes introspection.
To get into this pose, start by sitting on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
Ground your sit bones firmly into the mat and engage your core.
As you inhale, lengthen your spine, reaching the crown of your head toward the ceiling.
Then, exhale slowly as you hinge forward from your hips, allowing your hands to reach for your feet or ankles.
If you cannot reach them comfortably, you can use a yoga strap or place a bolster on top of your legs to rest your hands on.
As you fold forward, soften your shoulders and relax your jaw.
Feel the gentle stretch in the back of your legs, and let your breath guide you deeper into the pose.
With each exhale, allow yourself to let go and find a sense of calmness within.
Seated Forward Fold offers a beautiful opportunity to turn inward, quiet the mind, and release the weight of the world.
Bottom line
Practicing yoga is very effective for letting go and releasing tension from both the body and mind.
The ten yoga poses mentioned in this blog post offer a gateway to deep relaxation and can also help you find inner peace.
Whether it’s the gentle embrace of Child’s Pose or the liberating stretch of Pigeon Pose, each posture has the potential to unlock emotional and physical knots.
All you have to do is let go, breathe, and embrace the transformative power of yoga on your path towards well-being and inner liberation.
What are your favorite yoga poses for letting go? Let me know in the comments below!