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Letting Go of Nothing: Relax Your Mind and Discover the Wonder of Your True Nature
A practical and empowering approach to the age-old quest to let go of the thoughts and feelings that block happiness, impede change, and hinder self-acceptance
Anyone who has dipped a toe into any of the world’s spiritual traditions knows that letting go and letting be are key. But how? In this fresh, frank, and powerful guide, Peter Russell allows readers to see that the things we get hung up on are generally not tangible problems in the present, but are instead thoughts, feelings, interpretations, beliefs, or expectations we have about them. These are not actual things; they exist only in our minds. And we can strip these “no-things” of their power and let them go by making a simple change of mind. Russell boils this letting go down to remarkably easy methods of accepting, acknowledging, recognizing, and even befriending what we tend to run from. This paradoxical practice generates peace of mind, fresh perspectives, and wisdom in action. In turbulent times like ours, this is a true power, one available to us all.
Anyone who has dipped a toe into any of the world’s spiritual traditions knows that letting go and letting be are key. But how? In this fresh, frank, and powerful guide, Peter Russell allows readers to see that the things we get hung up on are generally not tangible problems in the present, but are instead thoughts, feelings, interpretations, beliefs, or expectations we have about them. These are not actual things; they exist only in our minds. And we can strip these “no-things” of their power and let them go by making a simple change of mind. Russell boils this letting go down to remarkably easy methods of accepting, acknowledging, recognizing, and even befriending what we tend to run from. This paradoxical practice generates peace of mind, fresh perspectives, and wisdom in action. In turbulent times like ours, this is a true power, one available to us all.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published November 10, 2021
137 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
Peter Russell
284 books79 followersPeter Russell M.A., D.C.S., is a British author of ten books and producer of three films on consciousness, spiritual awakening and their role in the future development of humanity. He has designed and taught personal development programs for businesses, and has remained a popular public speaker.
In 1965 he was awarded an Open Exhibition to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, to study Mathematics. In 1969, he gained a First Class Honours in Theoretical Physics and Experimental Psychology. He then went to Rishikesh, India, where he trained as a teacher of Transcendental Meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. In 1971, he gained a post-graduate degree in Computer Science. From 1971 to 1974, he studied for a Ph.D. on the psychophysiology of meditation at Bristol University.
In 1965 he was awarded an Open Exhibition to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, to study Mathematics. In 1969, he gained a First Class Honours in Theoretical Physics and Experimental Psychology. He then went to Rishikesh, India, where he trained as a teacher of Transcendental Meditation under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. In 1971, he gained a post-graduate degree in Computer Science. From 1971 to 1974, he studied for a Ph.D. on the psychophysiology of meditation at Bristol University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 12, 2021
His clarity and simplicity brought wisdom into my heart
Our brains present the world to us. Unfortunately, it’s a very skewed perspective, since the perspective is laced with getting our needs met in a world that is woefully tied to concepts, cultural pressures, and expectations. We’re tossed to and fro on the surface of a conceptual ocean. But deep below this frothy surface lies the calm and peace that come with acceptance and love for our selves and others. Being here. Saying simply “I am”. Helps us sink deeper roots into this existence and be able to weather whatever storms may rage on the surface, and to distinguish real dangers from conceptual ones.
A wonderful book filled with succinct language that communicates clearly what human existence is in this day and age and how everyone has access to the wisdom of the ages and it’s all found within us, below the conceptual storms that incessantly flood our perceptions.
Our brains present the world to us. Unfortunately, it’s a very skewed perspective, since the perspective is laced with getting our needs met in a world that is woefully tied to concepts, cultural pressures, and expectations. We’re tossed to and fro on the surface of a conceptual ocean. But deep below this frothy surface lies the calm and peace that come with acceptance and love for our selves and others. Being here. Saying simply “I am”. Helps us sink deeper roots into this existence and be able to weather whatever storms may rage on the surface, and to distinguish real dangers from conceptual ones.
A wonderful book filled with succinct language that communicates clearly what human existence is in this day and age and how everyone has access to the wisdom of the ages and it’s all found within us, below the conceptual storms that incessantly flood our perceptions.
September 1, 2021
Practical and simple, without metaphysical baggage. Important guide and reminders for "letting go".
February 26, 2023
2,5
Kitabı başlarda ümidlə və sevərək oxuyurdum, amma irərilədikcə mənə elə də bir şey qatmadığını fərq etməyə başladım. Bircə bəzi məqamlarda həqiqətən xoşuma gələn və fərqindəlik yaradan cümlələrə rast gəldim. Amma ümumi götürsək elə də təsirli kitab deyil və "nə edilməlidir" fikrindən daha çox "nə olmalıdır" fikrinə yönəlik yazılıb və buna yönəlik tövsiyələr verir.
Kitab boyunca anladığımız əsas şeylər insanların hamısının xoşbəxtlik dalınca qaçması, xoşbəxtliyi və sevgini hər zaman kənarda axtarması, amma əslində hər ikisinin də mənbəyinin insanın özünün olması və s. idi. Bizə mübahisələr, problemlər zamanı həmin məsələyə baxış tərzimizi dəyişməklə, yaxud hadisələrə ümumi gözlə baxmağı bacarmaqla, içimizdəki nifrəti, qəzəbi özümüzdən uzaqlaşdırmaqla hüzura çata biləcəyimizi və beləcə bizi narahat edən heç bir şey qalmayacağını göstərirdi.
Amma ümumi götürəndə kitab mənə bilmədiyim elə də bir şey vermədi və üstəlik çatdırmaq istədiyi fikir ümumən yaxşı olsa da zəif çatdırılmışdı və tam altı doldurulmamışdı. Mən belə başa düşdüm ki, Echart Tolle daxil bu tərz danışan, yazan insanlar mənə xitab etmir və fikirləri sadəcə fikir olaraq yaxşı səslənsə də, reallıqla çox uyuşmur sanki. Bir növ spiritualist gəlir belə fikirlər. Yenə də maraqlı və düşündürücü bir iki məqam var idi.
Kitabı başlarda ümidlə və sevərək oxuyurdum, amma irərilədikcə mənə elə də bir şey qatmadığını fərq etməyə başladım. Bircə bəzi məqamlarda həqiqətən xoşuma gələn və fərqindəlik yaradan cümlələrə rast gəldim. Amma ümumi götürsək elə də təsirli kitab deyil və "nə edilməlidir" fikrindən daha çox "nə olmalıdır" fikrinə yönəlik yazılıb və buna yönəlik tövsiyələr verir.
Kitab boyunca anladığımız əsas şeylər insanların hamısının xoşbəxtlik dalınca qaçması, xoşbəxtliyi və sevgini hər zaman kənarda axtarması, amma əslində hər ikisinin də mənbəyinin insanın özünün olması və s. idi. Bizə mübahisələr, problemlər zamanı həmin məsələyə baxış tərzimizi dəyişməklə, yaxud hadisələrə ümumi gözlə baxmağı bacarmaqla, içimizdəki nifrəti, qəzəbi özümüzdən uzaqlaşdırmaqla hüzura çata biləcəyimizi və beləcə bizi narahat edən heç bir şey qalmayacağını göstərirdi.
Amma ümumi götürəndə kitab mənə bilmədiyim elə də bir şey vermədi və üstəlik çatdırmaq istədiyi fikir ümumən yaxşı olsa da zəif çatdırılmışdı və tam altı doldurulmamışdı. Mən belə başa düşdüm ki, Echart Tolle daxil bu tərz danışan, yazan insanlar mənə xitab etmir və fikirləri sadəcə fikir olaraq yaxşı səslənsə də, reallıqla çox uyuşmur sanki. Bir növ spiritualist gəlir belə fikirlər. Yenə də maraqlı və düşündürücü bir iki məqam var idi.
September 1, 2024
"Will I feel better? Calmer? More at lease?" We could think that we're waiting for some sort of external goal but in reality, we're just waiting and hoping that somehow, sometime, we will feel better internally, like it was a work of magic or even destiny. Some lessons I learned about this book that I apply do my daily life and even to my clients as a therapist:
1) We struggle with letting go because we look at it as another to-do in our list. We can't let go if we're planning on letting go at Tuesday 8am. Rather than focusing on not being able to "let go", we have to cease the doing of holding on. This is a great example of why when someone is anxious and you just tell them those very annoying words, aka "RELAX", it never works. On the contrary, it usually aggravates the situation.
Therefore, in order to let go, we need to change our inner landscape and then let the rest change on its own, eventually learn to stop holding on.
2) There are 2 parts of letting go: Letting in and letting be. Perspective and points of view play a big role in this one, hence that famous joke about a patient that goes to a doctor and complains about how when they touch around various parts of their body it hurts; only to be answered that what's fractured is their finger. Like this finger, if our brain is focused on the darker aspects of life or the more pessimistic responses, it's likely that our attention span will focus more in such.
When feeling something that you don't like, for example, an emotion such as fear, anger, anxiety or sadness, LET IT BE, get curious, analyze the pain, feel it fully, accept it, be friendly, soon the experience will fit. While some experiences for sure would've hurt in the past, you can't control it now in the present, but you can control how you feel about it. Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.
3) Emotions always come with stories, and we must let go of both to find peace. Only once you've let go and let in the feeling you've been avoiding, you can focus on the story. All emotions, all situations, come with a story. You can't talk about them without thinking about the past or future, without telling yourself a story, it doesn't exist without it.
Using this knowledge from Peter Russell, I reccommend everyone who is interested in regulating their emotions to write a journal. Find some time every day around the same hour and form a writing habit. Use this guide:
1. Let in the feeling: Observe your lack of trust, is your body telling you something important or does it just resemble a bad memory?
2. Let the feeling be: Sit with your distrust, do you start doubting it? Does it fade away? It's okay if it doesn't.
3. Let in the story. Is there anything unquestionable about it? then let it be. Will you sit with your original story? Or do you want to alter ir?
1) We struggle with letting go because we look at it as another to-do in our list. We can't let go if we're planning on letting go at Tuesday 8am. Rather than focusing on not being able to "let go", we have to cease the doing of holding on. This is a great example of why when someone is anxious and you just tell them those very annoying words, aka "RELAX", it never works. On the contrary, it usually aggravates the situation.
Therefore, in order to let go, we need to change our inner landscape and then let the rest change on its own, eventually learn to stop holding on.
2) There are 2 parts of letting go: Letting in and letting be. Perspective and points of view play a big role in this one, hence that famous joke about a patient that goes to a doctor and complains about how when they touch around various parts of their body it hurts; only to be answered that what's fractured is their finger. Like this finger, if our brain is focused on the darker aspects of life or the more pessimistic responses, it's likely that our attention span will focus more in such.
When feeling something that you don't like, for example, an emotion such as fear, anger, anxiety or sadness, LET IT BE, get curious, analyze the pain, feel it fully, accept it, be friendly, soon the experience will fit. While some experiences for sure would've hurt in the past, you can't control it now in the present, but you can control how you feel about it. Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.
3) Emotions always come with stories, and we must let go of both to find peace. Only once you've let go and let in the feeling you've been avoiding, you can focus on the story. All emotions, all situations, come with a story. You can't talk about them without thinking about the past or future, without telling yourself a story, it doesn't exist without it.
Using this knowledge from Peter Russell, I reccommend everyone who is interested in regulating their emotions to write a journal. Find some time every day around the same hour and form a writing habit. Use this guide:
1. Let in the feeling: Observe your lack of trust, is your body telling you something important or does it just resemble a bad memory?
2. Let the feeling be: Sit with your distrust, do you start doubting it? Does it fade away? It's okay if it doesn't.
3. Let in the story. Is there anything unquestionable about it? then let it be. Will you sit with your original story? Or do you want to alter ir?
July 13, 2022
I had two significant aha moments while reading this book. Both of them pertain to questions I have had related to meditating - one from five years ago, and one from two years ago. I’m not going to say what the questions are/were, but these are the answers.
One came from a quote on page 3: “But we can’t “do” letting go, however hard we try. To let go, we have to cease the “doing” of holding on. And that requires a quite different approach.” The second is from page 103: “…did we notice the world supporting our needs and intentions? That is to say, did we notice more synchronicity in our lives?”
Excellent book.
One came from a quote on page 3: “But we can’t “do” letting go, however hard we try. To let go, we have to cease the “doing” of holding on. And that requires a quite different approach.” The second is from page 103: “…did we notice the world supporting our needs and intentions? That is to say, did we notice more synchronicity in our lives?”
Excellent book.
October 13, 2024
This is one of those gems that are small in volume, but large in wisdom.
It can be a quick read but better to take time between chapters to reflect on how it applies in your own life and how you might change things.
I'm confident I will be rereading this one
It can be a quick read but better to take time between chapters to reflect on how it applies in your own life and how you might change things.
I'm confident I will be rereading this one
September 6, 2022
P.R. Kişisel gelişimin temel ögelerini kolay anlaşılır bir şekilde ifade etmiş.
September 24, 2023
This book is a short, simple, and unpretentious guide to becoming more present and at peace.
Russell's style and voice remind me of Eckhart Tolle which, in an Eckhart Tolle Edition, might not come as a big surprise but, given Russell's unique point of view, still makes for easy reading.
There are only a handful of actionable exercises to take away from the book, and that's a good thing. After all, letting go is about doing less, not more. The rest of the short chapters adds some light theoretical context and applies Russell's ideas to various everyday situations and challenges.
Despite the simplicity of the book, it is obvious that Russell has done his homework. About a dozen times or so, you'll find him diving deep into the roots of language, from the words "relax" to "emotion" to "dukkha," to explain why we might have the wrong idea of the concept and how we could update it for a better understanding.
Knowing the simplicity of a book is the result of careful deliberation and not merely chance or carelessness makes me appreciate an author's work even more. It's hard enough to come up with something valuable to say, but harder still to say it succinctly and thus respect my time.
If you read The Power of Now and enjoyed it, this book can serve as a valuable reminder without sending you down too deep of a rabbit hole all over again, and if you haven't, perhaps this is the right gateway for you into mindfulness, meditation, and learning to be at peace with yourself.
Russell's style and voice remind me of Eckhart Tolle which, in an Eckhart Tolle Edition, might not come as a big surprise but, given Russell's unique point of view, still makes for easy reading.
There are only a handful of actionable exercises to take away from the book, and that's a good thing. After all, letting go is about doing less, not more. The rest of the short chapters adds some light theoretical context and applies Russell's ideas to various everyday situations and challenges.
Despite the simplicity of the book, it is obvious that Russell has done his homework. About a dozen times or so, you'll find him diving deep into the roots of language, from the words "relax" to "emotion" to "dukkha," to explain why we might have the wrong idea of the concept and how we could update it for a better understanding.
Knowing the simplicity of a book is the result of careful deliberation and not merely chance or carelessness makes me appreciate an author's work even more. It's hard enough to come up with something valuable to say, but harder still to say it succinctly and thus respect my time.
If you read The Power of Now and enjoyed it, this book can serve as a valuable reminder without sending you down too deep of a rabbit hole all over again, and if you haven't, perhaps this is the right gateway for you into mindfulness, meditation, and learning to be at peace with yourself.
January 9, 2025
Letting Go of Nothing is a refreshingly simple and down-to-earth guide on surrendering the unnecessary weight we carry in our minds. It’s not about learning more but unlearning what holds us back. The book gently reminds us that peace and clarity aren’t something we need to chase—they’re already within us, buried beneath layers of conditioning and thought patterns.
Russell’s style feels like having a conversation with a wise friend, stripping complex ideas down to their essence. His metaphor of the mind as a pond and thoughts as fish really struck me. When we stop chasing or reacting to the fish, the pond naturally clears, revealing its stillness.
Key Takeaways:
1. Stop fixing, start accepting – Life becomes lighter when we stop trying to control everything.
2. Thoughts aren’t truths – They’re just passing events, not permanent realities.
3. Effort blocks ease – Striving for inner peace often keeps us further from it.
4. True freedom is surrender – Letting go doesn’t mean giving up; it means letting life flow.
5. What you seek is already here – We just need to quiet the noise to see it.
The real gem of this book? The reminder that “all you need is already installed.” There’s nothing to add or fix. The secret is in undoing our programming and simply being. Like the pond metaphor, once we stop stirring the waters, we realize the clarity and stillness were always there.
Russell’s style feels like having a conversation with a wise friend, stripping complex ideas down to their essence. His metaphor of the mind as a pond and thoughts as fish really struck me. When we stop chasing or reacting to the fish, the pond naturally clears, revealing its stillness.
Key Takeaways:
1. Stop fixing, start accepting – Life becomes lighter when we stop trying to control everything.
2. Thoughts aren’t truths – They’re just passing events, not permanent realities.
3. Effort blocks ease – Striving for inner peace often keeps us further from it.
4. True freedom is surrender – Letting go doesn’t mean giving up; it means letting life flow.
5. What you seek is already here – We just need to quiet the noise to see it.
The real gem of this book? The reminder that “all you need is already installed.” There’s nothing to add or fix. The secret is in undoing our programming and simply being. Like the pond metaphor, once we stop stirring the waters, we realize the clarity and stillness were always there.
December 14, 2024
Listening to this audiobook was an enriching and deeply enjoyable experience. Narrated by the author himself, the audiobook is delivered with such clarity and warmth that it feels like an intimate conversation. Russell’s voice perfectly complements the wisdom shared, making complex ideas accessible and relatable.
Fans of Michael A. Singer’s The Untethered Soul and Living Untethered will find a similar thread of insight here. While there is some overlap in content, it only deepened my appreciation of the concepts. Russell’s use of simple, practical examples makes his teachings easy to understand and, more importantly, to apply.
Overall, this audiobook offers profound insights into the nature of the mind and the art of letting go, presented in a way that is both practical and transformative. Highly recommended for anyone on a journey of self-discovery.
Fans of Michael A. Singer’s The Untethered Soul and Living Untethered will find a similar thread of insight here. While there is some overlap in content, it only deepened my appreciation of the concepts. Russell’s use of simple, practical examples makes his teachings easy to understand and, more importantly, to apply.
Overall, this audiobook offers profound insights into the nature of the mind and the art of letting go, presented in a way that is both practical and transformative. Highly recommended for anyone on a journey of self-discovery.
June 30, 2025
Book Review: Letting Go of Nothing by Peter Russell
This isn’t just a book — it’s a soft undoing.
Peter Russell doesn’t teach you how to fix yourself. He reminds you there’s nothing to fix.
Letting Go of Nothing is light in tone but deep in impact. It’s about loosening your grip — on thoughts, identities, expectations — not by force, but by awareness.
You won’t walk away changed, you’ll walk away emptier. In the best way.
It’s the kind of read that doesn’t beg for underlines, but still ends up dog-eared and quietly sacred.
Simple. Clean. Radical. If you’re craving stillness that sticks — read this.
This isn’t just a book — it’s a soft undoing.
Peter Russell doesn’t teach you how to fix yourself. He reminds you there’s nothing to fix.
Letting Go of Nothing is light in tone but deep in impact. It’s about loosening your grip — on thoughts, identities, expectations — not by force, but by awareness.
You won’t walk away changed, you’ll walk away emptier. In the best way.
It’s the kind of read that doesn’t beg for underlines, but still ends up dog-eared and quietly sacred.
Simple. Clean. Radical. If you’re craving stillness that sticks — read this.
March 19, 2023
I much enjoyed listening to the author narrating the audiobook. He demonstrated what he taught: the distillation of ancient, timeless wisdom without the mythic trappings, and without being critical of or excluding the value of those paths for many persons. Likewise, Russel did not present with a "guru" complex.
Demonstrating sagacious humbleness for the listener was appreciated; his person and style of presentation - clear, succinct, down-to-earth - exemplified in the use of commonplace examples to illustrate -, compassionate - made this a 5 listen for me. Enjoy!
Demonstrating sagacious humbleness for the listener was appreciated; his person and style of presentation - clear, succinct, down-to-earth - exemplified in the use of commonplace examples to illustrate -, compassionate - made this a 5 listen for me. Enjoy!
March 14, 2022
Finding sanity in an insane world
This book is for anyone who wants to rediscover the simple truths in life. It reminds us that experiencing peace and joy in our lives comes from within. Something most of us have forgotten, but still available to those willing to let go of our own insanity.
This book is for anyone who wants to rediscover the simple truths in life. It reminds us that experiencing peace and joy in our lives comes from within. Something most of us have forgotten, but still available to those willing to let go of our own insanity.
May 22, 2023
86%
You gave some interesting key concepts that embrace feeling over letting go of everything, I like this as I use these techniques as well, the art of not letting go is something I employ circumstantialy.
So you can embrace the universe or let go, both have value.
The true value comes in accepting each and every moment and being able to take pleasure from existence as a whole.
You gave some interesting key concepts that embrace feeling over letting go of everything, I like this as I use these techniques as well, the art of not letting go is something I employ circumstantialy.
So you can embrace the universe or let go, both have value.
The true value comes in accepting each and every moment and being able to take pleasure from existence as a whole.
March 27, 2024
This book basically represents Advaita Philosophy that joy resides within our Spiritual Self. In contrast, attachment to emotions and material things breed unhappiness and dissatisfaction in our lives. The beginning of spiritual awakening is the realization that you are not that voice in your head, but the "One" who is aware of the voice.
September 10, 2024
Three stars because I was able to get all the way through, but I really had to push myself to get there, as it was a tough go for me. Nothing really now or inspiring within the pages of this book (IMO). With so many books and possibilities - I’d pass this one up if I was you. I received it as a gift. Love Eckhart Tolle. Read one of his books instead :)
November 11, 2021
KUDOS
I found this book the best explanation of how one should live hIs, or her life. Dr. Russell does away with the pedantry I observe in many who write about these subjects . I cannot recommend it too highly.
I found this book the best explanation of how one should live hIs, or her life. Dr. Russell does away with the pedantry I observe in many who write about these subjects . I cannot recommend it too highly.
January 22, 2022
I read Peter's book a couple of times during a hiking trip of 15 days when I wasn't walking. It is a good book to let sink in and to reflect on.
It is very easy to read. Peter explains very well the things Eckhart Tolle talks about in his books.
It is very easy to read. Peter explains very well the things Eckhart Tolle talks about in his books.
June 5, 2022
Geçmiş ve geleceğin hayal dünyası/paralel gerçeklik olduğu noktasından hareketle, an'a dönmeyi tavsiye eden, okuyucuların "Yapacak bir şey, gidecek bir yer, olacak kimse yok" farkındalığına varması için öneriler sunan kitap.
October 14, 2022
excellent excellent
A simple written book that contains all the wisdom we need. It seems Peter, fit all our problems and their solutions, into a precise and meaningful book. Well done.
A simple written book that contains all the wisdom we need. It seems Peter, fit all our problems and their solutions, into a precise and meaningful book. Well done.
January 20, 2023
Discusses the spiritual practice of 'letting go' -- surrendering attachments to people, things, expectation and opinions, (supposedly) leading to a greater sense of peace and openness to life as it is.
June 23, 2023
If you are just delving into this subject matter, this could be a nice start. However, I didn’t get much insight from this book. The Power of Now has made it extremely difficult for the rest of the pack.
September 26, 2023
Quick read. I enjoyed it.
Did not totally blow my mind, but I liked his input and the way he phrased it. What I take away: Let go of no-thing & becoming aware of how difficult it is to actually do nothing. Also, being present and accepting what is
Did not totally blow my mind, but I liked his input and the way he phrased it. What I take away: Let go of no-thing & becoming aware of how difficult it is to actually do nothing. Also, being present and accepting what is
February 17, 2024
I read a few of these topics each day. I enjoyed the practical application of the 'letting go of nothing.' this is a book I could find myself rereading at different points during the year almost like a devotional.
September 3, 2024
“Just let go”. The author doesn’t provide a rich enough model of understanding where letting go fits in the scheme of negotiating meaning in our lives. In this respect he is limited by the boundaries of Buddhism which is fundamentally experience affirming at the expense of being meaning denying.
September 7, 2021
Wisdom served up deliciously, simply and in a concise format. Here is another book, like Eckhart Tolle's, to which I will refer frequently and read cover-to-cover again and again.
January 31, 2022
Ok. Describes mindfulness well but ends up a little preachy for my taste.
May 6, 2022
on letting go of resistance, surrender, this is very good.
May 17, 2023
I loved the read. It helped me to hit refresh in calming the mind.
August 18, 2023
Words and phrases of important from Tolle, but with little impact or meaning
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews