Letting Go by David R. Hawkins Summary

David R. Hawkins’ Letting Go teaches readers to release suppressed emotions through a three-step technique: awareness of feelings, experiencing them without resistance, and surrendering their energy. The book argues that clinging to emotions like fear or anger perpetuates suffering, while surrendering enables spiritual growth and inner freedom.

This book suits individuals seeking emotional resilience, spiritual growth, or relief from anxiety, grief, or chronic stress. It’s particularly relevant for self-help enthusiasts, mindfulness practitioners, and those interested in transcending limiting beliefs tied to relationships, career, or self-worth.

Yes, Letting Go is praised for its actionable framework to address emotional blocks. Critics note its repetitive structure, but readers credit it with transformative insights into overcoming fear, desire, and pride. It’s a staple for those exploring non-traditional psychology or spirituality.

Hawkins’ method involves observing emotions (e.g., anger, fear) without judgment, allowing them to surface, and releasing resistance through acceptance. By surrendering the energy behind feelings, their hold dissipates naturally. This differs from suppression, as it focuses on mindful detachment rather than avoidance.

• Fear: Persistent fear attracts negative experiences; surrendering it breaks the cycle.
• Desire: Strong attachment to outcomes blocks fulfillment; detachment aligns with subconscious worthiness.
• Pride: Replacing pride with joy fosters genuine self-esteem.
• Courage: Embracing vulnerability leads to conscious decision-making.

• “Internal joy comes from the pleasure of giving and loving”.
• “The unconscious will allow us to have only what we think we deserve”.
• “A feeling that is not resisted will disappear”.

Hawkins advises reframing trauma by surrendering associated emotions (e.g., grief, resentment) and focusing on growth. This aligns with Viktor Frankl’s emphasis on finding meaning in suffering, as cited in the book.

Some readers find the advice oversimplified for severe issues like addiction, despite Hawkins’ claims it supports recovery. Others question assertions about desire causing scarcity mentality or pride hindering achievement.

Both emphasize finding purpose through adversity, but Hawkins focuses on emotional release, while Frankl highlights existential choice. Letting Go offers a structured technique, whereas Frankl’s work is narrative-driven.

Yes, by releasing attachment to others’ approval and addressing internalized guilt or blame, the book aims to foster healthier connections rooted in unconditional giving rather than neediness.

As mindfulness and emotional intelligence remain central to self-help trends, Hawkins’ surrender technique aligns with modern demands for non-pharmaceutical stress management and spiritual grounding.

Fans of Letting Go may enjoy The Power of Now (Tolle) for mindfulness, Atomic Habits (Clear) for behavior change, or The Surrender Experiment (Singer) for spiritual surrender narratives.

Hawkins argues pride creates false self-importance, fueling defensiveness and stagnation. Replacing it with joy from genuine achievement fosters humility and sustained progress.