The act of letting go
Amidst the tapestry of vivid colors and magnificent sceneries and its profound ideas on religion, love, relationships, and life in general, “The Life of Pi”, Ang Lee’s masterpiece always stirs my heart. Especially when Pi, with an outpour of emotions said: “As a whole, life is an act of letting go.”
Throughout the film, Pi had to let go of so many things – his life in India, his family, his beloved Ahnandi, and Richard Parker.
At that moment when tears were falling down his cheeks as his emotions rupture, I was able to place myself in the shoes of Piscine Molitor Patel.And I have got to thinking, “in my life, what are the things that I had to let go?”
I can still remember when I was about five, I had to let go of being the youngest in the family when my younger brother was born and the title of being the “bunso” of the family was unceremoniously taken from me.All the attention and care that used to be shown by my family somewhat faded. Somehow I felt that the spotlight, which was rightfully mine, got busted and my family forgot that I existed. I had to let go of the times when I would cuddle up with my mother at night when I go to sleep. Instead I curled up like a ball until I fell asleep in my bed, alone in my room.
Then I turned seven and I had to let go of my birthday cake. It was believed by my mother that when a child reached the age of seven, he or she had to let go of the birthday cake, the gifts, and all the other traditional things that went with the celebration. That was also the time when I let go of my marbles, POG’s and Voltes Five cards and started taking my studies seriously. At a tender age, I was already expected to follow the footsteps of my sisters who excelled in school. With this, I had to let go of watching cartoons to concentrate on my lessons. I also had to let go of my old self, being the young, dependent and naïve little boy, and become a responsible young man holding my future in my hands. Now, living on my own, far from the comforts of our home, I had to toughen up and tend for myself. I had to let go of my luxuries and concentrate on doing my laundry and keeping my room clean. I had to let go of careless spending and save up for my future.
Recently I also had to let go of a relationship, a blossoming one that has be ended so suddenly because of circumstances beyond our control. I had to let go of the times being together, of late night phone conversations, of idiosyncrasies and craziness only both of us can do. I had to let go of being a part of another person’s life even though my whole being still hopes for another chance.
Letting go of all these, I realized I have gained much more. Without the usual attention given to me by my parents, I was able to explore and learn. I became independent and self-reliant. Letting go of my marbles and cards made me realize that there is so much more to life than childish games; that I had to let go of my childishness and grow up. In abandoning my old self, I have become a stronger and a better person. By letting go of that relationship, I discovered that I can truly care for another person. I realized that I am capable of loving without expecting anything in return.
But life still requires us to let go further – to let go of things and possessions that will free us from materialistic precepts and which will eventually bring us to deliverance: To let go of pr et en ti ons to experience freedom; to let go of pride to find humility; to let go of greed to discover charity; to let go of self-centeredness to learn to serve others; to let go of apathy to show you care; to let go of indifference to share love.
As a whole, life is an act of letting go. Indeed, each of us has burdens to unload; possessions to let go. In our journey towards life we will be forced to let go. It is upon us to decide which we will let go of.
How about you, what are you willing to let go?
*Carlan is an Immediate Past Area 82 Director of Division I. His club, MEZ1 Toastmasters, meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 6:45 p.m. at On Semiconductor, Gate 3 MEPZ 1, Lapu-Lapu City.