Start to the Week

Mondays often arrive with mixed feelings. For some, it is the pressure of responsibilities. For others, it is emotional weight carried over from the past week. Many people wake up already feeling behind, overwhelmed, or tense before the day has even begun.

This Monday prayer is about letting go — not giving up, but releasing what no longer serves your peace. Letting go does not mean forgetting or pretending things did not happen. It means choosing not to carry unnecessary emotional weight into a new week.

At Mother’s Ritual, we believe that small daily practices can slowly change how we feel, think, and respond to life. Letting go is one of the most powerful practices you can begin with.

Why Letting Go Is So Hard

Letting go can feel frightening because it asks us to loosen control. Many of us hold on to worry, anger, guilt, or fear because it feels safer than the unknown. Even pain can feel familiar, and familiarity can feel comforting, even when it hurts us.

Some common things people struggle to let go of include:

Past mistakes Words that were said Relationships that ended Expectations placed on us by others Guilt about not doing “enough”

These thoughts often replay quietly in the background of our minds. Over time, they can affect our sleep, our mood, and our ability to feel present.

Letting go is not about forcing yourself to feel better. It is about gently allowing space for peace to enter.

Letting Go as a Spiritual Practice

Letting go is both emotional and spiritual. When we pause and release what we are carrying, we make room for clarity, calm, and wisdom.

Stillness helps us recognise what we are holding unnecessarily. Prayer helps us release it with trust.

This Monday practice is not about changing everything at once. It is about starting the week with intention and softness rather than tension.

A Monday Prayer for Letting Go

Take a moment to pause.

You may wish to place one hand on your chest or close your eyes.

Prayer

God of the universe

help me release what I can no longer carry

help me let go of what is not meant for me

quiet the thoughts that weigh on my heart

and soften the tension in my body

guide me into this new week with peace

clarity

and trust

help me move forward without fear

and rest in the knowledge that I am supported

so it is

You may repeat this prayer slowly or return to it whenever you feel overwhelmed.

The Emotional Benefits of Letting Go

When we practise letting go regularly, we may notice:

Reduced anxiety and stress Better sleep and focus Increased emotional balance Greater self-compassion Clearer decision-making

Letting go does not remove challenges from life, but it changes how we carry them. Instead of holding everything tightly, we learn to trust that not everything needs our constant attention.

Letting Go Does Not Mean Losing Strength

Many people fear that letting go means becoming weak or careless. In truth, letting go requires courage. It takes strength to admit that something is heavy and to choose not to carry it alone.

Letting go is an act of self-respect. It is saying, “I choose peace over constant struggle.”

This is especially important for parents, caregivers, and those who support others. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Letting go allows you to refill gently.

A Simple Monday Ritual for Letting Go

You may wish to create a small ritual to support this practice.

Monday Letting Go Ritual

Sit quietly for two minutes Take three slow breaths Name one thing you are ready to release Say silently: I allow this to leave me Return to your day gently

This ritual can be done in the morning, during a break, or before sleep.

When Letting Go Feels Emotional

Sometimes, when we allow ourselves to release, emotions surface. Tears, tiredness, or heaviness may appear. This is normal and healthy.

Letting go does not mean suppressing feelings. It means allowing them to pass without judgement.

If emotions arise, slow down. Breathe. Be kind to yourself.

Letting Go and the Nervous System

From a practical point of view, letting go also supports the nervous system. When we are constantly holding stress, the body remains in a state of alert. Over time, this can lead to exhaustion and burnout.

Prayer and stillness help signal safety to the body. When the body feels safe, the mind can rest.

This is why calm, repetitive prayers are powerful. They soothe both mind and body.

Carrying This Practice Through the Week

Monday sets the tone for the rest of the week. When we begin with release instead of resistance, the days that follow often feel lighter.

You may return to this prayer:

When you feel overwhelmed Before an important decision After a difficult conversation At the end of the day

Letting go is not a one-time act. It is a practice.

A Gentle Reminder

You are not required to carry everything.

You are allowed to rest.

You are allowed to begin again.

Letting go is not forgetting — it is choosing peace.

Closing Reflection

As this week begins, ask yourself:

What am I holding that I can release today? What would peace feel like in my body? How can I move through this week more gently?

Return to this space whenever you need grounding.

Thank you for being here.

You are supported, seen, and allowed to move forward with ease.