"Releasing Control: What a Random Book Page Taught Me"
June 15, 2026|Art/Paintings/illustrations, Change, Courage, Gratitude, summer, Transitions
book page and My Let Go image
As I sit and wonder what to write about during these summery days here in Maryland, I see my little book, Ani Trime’s “LITTLE BOOK OF AFFIRMATIONS”: 52 Illustrated Practices for a Peaceful and Open Mind.
I bought this book on the Pema Chodron Foundation's website. (https://bit.ly/4uDTgcr)
“Ani Trime, a beloved teacher in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition who began her own life as a gruff, plainspoken West Virginian. Noted for her sense of humor and her no-nonsense style of spiritual practice, Trime believed that anyone could learn to loosen the grip of negative thoughts by cultivating more healing, helpful ways of thinking in the garden of the mind.”
I keep this little book over to the side on my desk – it's only 3.62″ x 4.76″ and 137 pages. Sometimes I totally forget about it – but when I do pick it up – and randomly open to a page – it never fails to fit! It works like a gentle oracle — always offering exactly what I need to hear.
Today's random page (see image above) with the words: “ I release the desire for control: I accept things as they are.”
The fun illustration by Andrea Mongia shows a studio space — my studio is like creative chaos — but both represent where someone sits quietly among their creative tools, embodying the very acceptance that the words and marks invite.
Pema teaches that if we just open ourselves up to the world — leave a gap in our storyline, take a pause from our thoughts — we can see more, hear more, taste and feel more. That “pause” for me in part is acceptance!
About five years ago, during my cancer treatment, my meditation group focused on 'letting go of beliefs that no longer serve your greater good. One of my favorite art pieces came from that time — a digital piece from my visual journal documenting that terrifying yet transformative experience. The major beliefs I needed to release were about health and wellbeing. (see image above) Pretty much all the negative thoughts were the ones to let go of! Now I still believe part of the reason I came through all that was a shockingly positive attitude. In truth, I didn’t realize I was rocking that until about three-quarters of the way through the treatments and experiences. Looking back at my journaling and art pieces, I must admit I was (and still am) amazed and proud of myself - I was winning the battle, and my mindset was pretty darn amazing!
oday's reminder feels perfect: release control, accept what is. Whether it's health challenges, creative blocks, or life transitions, the invitation remains the same — trust the flow and stay open to what wants to emerge.
What would you release today if you knew it was safe to let go?
