Jung at Harp | Episode 186: Letting Go – What it Takes to Truly Let Go

Why listen? If you've ever been told to "just let go" and found yourself wondering how, this episode is for you. Letting go isn't about forcing release—it's about finding the structure, trust, and playfulness that allow real freedom to emerge. Whether in music, creativity, or daily life, Deborah and Kathleen explore the paradox that true release often requires both structure and surrender.

In this episode of Jung at Harp, harpist-composer Deborah Henson-Conant and Jungian psychoanalyst Kathleen Wiley dive into the elusive art of letting go. What does it really mean? Why is it so hard when all the advice seems to be "stop trying"? And how can music—especially improvisation—offer a pathway into release?

Deborah shares stories from her teaching, including how a simple phrase—"don't get caught anywhere"—can unlock breakthroughs for harpists in just minutes. Kathleen connects these moments to Jungian ideas, embodiment practices, and the elemental energies of earth, air, fire, and water. Together, they reflect on why some people need grounding, others need fire, and all of us need trust in order to truly let go.

Through laughter, stories, and lived insights, they invite listeners to:

• Discover how small structures can create big breakthroughs.

• See why "letting go" starts with feeling safe enough to release.

• Recognize your own energetic style—earthy, fiery, airy, or watery—and how it shapes your path to freedom.

• Explore how repetition, play, and even being "walked through" a process can open the door to transformation.

• Embrace the paradox that freedom and release often arise from gentle structure.

Listen and join the conversation at JungAtHarp.com.