Washington Island, which lies in Lake Michigan off the tip of Wisconsin, has a beach covered with smooth stones instead of sand. It’s unique and beautiful. It’s also illegal to take the stones as souvenirs, but even a fine of $250 per stone doesn’t stop tourists from pilfering them.
A few years ago, a box with no return address was sent to Washington Island’s police department. It contained three stones and a note that read Please return to Schoolhouse Beach.
Whoever took those rocks had a nagging conscience. They felt guilty. Maybe even worse.
This reminded me of two beautiful books my ex left behind when he took his things as we split up. Those books sat on my bookshelf for close to two decades before I finally sent them to him. It wasn’t from guilt as much as a sense of restoring order. And wanting to get his energy back where it belonged.
How often do we hang onto things that aren’t ours? I have a friend who held onto things from her ex out of spite. But he didn’t remember she had his stuff, so it was only prolonging her grudge; it wasn’t hurting him.
We also hang onto energy for longer than we should. We replay arguments in our head. We remember slights done to us, as well times we’ve slighted people. For years, I felt horrible about the time I lost my sister at Six Flags. I labeled myself the Worst Sister Ever. I mentioned it to her decades later, expecting her to tell me how I had ruined her childhood. Guess what—she didn’t even remember it.
What do you need to return? Something from a national park that you took? Something you borrowed and never gave back? Mail the item. Or hand it back in person.
Do you need to send back some energy that you’re hanging onto? Get into a relaxed, meditative state, visualize the person whose energy you’re holding onto and say I return to you all that is yours with light and love. See the energy whooshing back and then see yourself cutting the cord that has been binding you. If it’s guilt you’re hanging onto, can you find the courage to talk to whoever you hurt and apologize?
Like me, you may find that you’ve attached more significance to the incident than they have. In any case, you’ll feel lighter and freer.
