Letting Go of Control

I recently discussed the idea of control with some fine folks—specifically, about their fear of losing it. I hear this often from those considering taking a psychedelic journey. It makes sense—control gives us the illusion of safety, of predictability. We grip tightly to our routines, our stories, even our pain, because at least we know them. They feel familiar, and in an uncertain world, familiarity can be comfortable.

But there’s a paradox: the tighter we hold on, the less room we leave for something new to emerge. True transformation requires space~ mental, emotional, and energetic. And to create that space, we have to let go, even if just a little. We have to loosen our grip and allow the unknown to enter.

This is a teaching in psychedelic work. The medicine has a way of loosening the ego’s grasp, not to punish or overwhelm us, but to show us what’s waiting underneath. Sometimes what emerges is beautiful. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable. But it’s real. It’s alive. And it won’t surface if we are clinging so tightly to our established stories.

Surrender, in this context, isn’t giving up—it’s opening up. It’s an act of faith. It’s trusting that there’s wisdom beyond our conscious minds, and that letting go doesn’t mean falling apart. When we surrender control, we don’t lose ourselves. We make contact with our authenticity, with parts of ourselves we never knew were there.

If you’re feeling afraid of losing control, know that you’re not alone. And know that on the other side of that fear, there’s often something profound~ something waiting to be born.