Catch and Release

I am not a big fisherman. The last time I went fishing was one of the worst experiences of my life - although it really had nothing to do with the fishing (long story). Plus, have you seen the fishing shows where these guys reel in these monster fish - the kind you see mounted on the wall? Once they pull them into the boat though - they hold it up, name it, then let it go!

They just let it go! It's called "catch and release" fishing (right Jesse?).

Catch and Release.

Growing up and seeing these fishing shows on TV - I loved the "catch" part, but I didn't understand the "release" part.

Why would you let them go?

Recently, I have been thinking a lot about this idea of "letting go." I know in the past I have blogged about leaving the ego out (my friend LEO) - and as I was on my run the other day - this idea of "catch and release" struck me out of the blue.

The last few months I have made a conscious effort to be more aware of my ego. What this basically means is that I have tried to witness my feeling and thoughts - and catch the instances where I was attaching my self-worth (both positively and negatively) to egocentric things. This would include things I owned, things I have accomplished, comparing myself to others, and even creative ideas. Now, with creative ideas - this is the most subtle because you would think it is hard to be egocentric about an idea - but I probably struggle with that one more than the others.

Since I have started being more intentional about catching these thoughts - it has been interesting to see how often I really see my ego slipping into the driver seat. This can feel rather discouraging because I am noticing that I have lots of ego thoughts, but this is really where the most important aspect of the growth takes place.

Catch and Release.

It is easy to beat ourselves up for the negative thoughts we have. In fact, our ego loves nothing more than us filling ourselves with guilt and frustration once we start to take stock of our unproductive ego thoughts. Because, if we can make ourselves feel bad for thinking bad - then we might prevent ourselves from actually doing anything about it. Self-condemnation takes over - and we have thoughts such as "I am a failure" or "Making a change will be too difficult."

In this case, once again - ego wins!

The missing ingredient is the RELEASE!

The first step in improving is the catch. Catching those ego thoughts prevents them from taking hold. We begin to see them pop up more clearly - and we are able to see them for what they are - useless.

The second step - and probably the most important is the release - because unless we let it go - we never really detach it from our identity.

CATCH AND RELEASE

Just like the fisherman - our job is to make the catch - hold it up and recognize what we are looking at - but then we need to let it go!

Pay attention now...Throw it back! Just because you caught it - doesn't mean you need to keep it! You are not your ego thoughts. They may feel like you, but they are not you. Let them go - throw them back. The fisherman is never confused into believing he is the fish, or that he created the fish, or that the fish is a part of him. Just because he caught it - doesn't mean he owns it!

Catch and release!

500,000 people tuned into Oprah's first Webinar event with Eckhart Tolle last week - and who knows how many people have downloaded it from her site or iTunes? If you haven't had a chance to read his book, or watch one of these events - I highly recommend both. Tolle is calling for the need of "A New Earth," and I think we as individuals - and collectively - are prepared to make this next consciousness shift.

Now it's up to you! You are being called upon to play a bigger game - and we are all up for it!

If your ego is saying otherwise - just catch and release. When it comes to big fish stories - you can celebrate the ego as the "one that got away"...forever!

Have a good week - and if you need some help casting your line - give me a call!

Much love!

Travis
561.676.4583
travis@directlifecoach.com