Do You Want to Lose Weight…or Release Weight?
Why I (often) use the phrase, “release weight” rather than “lose weight”:
The terms “weight loss” and “losing weight” long have been associated with shedding those extra pounds. Because people search for information using these terms, I often use them, too.
But I’d like you to consider another way to think about letting go of your extra weight.
Words are powerful beyond measure. The meaning and intention of each word emits energy. This energy is on a continuum: From a high energetic vibration that uplifts you to a low energetic vibration that drains you… and everything in between.
When I work with clients, I’m vigilant about the words they use. I teach them to change their energy—and their perspective—simply by using higher vibration words.
So when it comes to reaching your desired weight, think about this:
“LOSS” means “the state or feeling of grief when deprived of someone or something of value.” That definition doesn’t make you very happy, does it?
“RELEASE” means “allow (something) to move, act, or flow freely.” Sounds more uplifting, right?
The thing is, emotional eating and long-term weight issues are symptoms of something deeper. It’s not really about food and “losing” the weight. It’s about those painful feelings you’ve been holding in your mind, heart—and energy field—and learned to numb with food. As you allow the pain you’re holding onto to release—little by little—you lighten your heart. As you lighten your heart and no longer need food for comfort, you free yourself to gain confidence and unconditional self-love… and release the extra weight.
Here’s a simple exercise so you can see what I mean.
- Get quiet. Close your eyes. Take a few breaths to relax.
- Then, say to yourself three times: “I want to lose weight.”
- Notice the sensations in your body.
- Clear that away and then repeat to yourself: “I want to release weight.”
- Notice the sensations in your body.
- Open your eyes.
What do you notice?
How does your body feel?
Does your spirit feel light or heavy?
Several years ago I posted this exercise to my Facebook page. Here’s what people experienced:
“Saying ‘losing weight’ caused me to tighten up. ‘Release’ was a much softer request allowing me to let go.”
“Freeing and pleasant verses yucky.”
“Lose weight caused me to feel anxious. Release weight left me feeling calm, determined and optimistic.”
“Lose weight immediately made me feel tight and release weight felt light.”
“It felt like to release something is to own my freedom to really love me and my body. No stress attached to saying release weight.”
Your Choice
You still may decide to say “lose weight” depending on who you’re talking with. But when you talk to yourself or like-minded people, practice using the term “release”.
It just may help lighten your journey.
And your body, too.
Did you try it? Please share your experience below!
(Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash)
When I say “I want to release weight”, I feel my fat is melting and leaving my body. When I say “I want to lose weight”, I think of another stupid diet.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Deb!
I tried it thinking there wouldn’t be any difference but it was weird. When I said I wanted to lose weight, its like my heart started beating harder as if getting stressed out. When I said I wanted to release weight, my body remained calm and almost relaxed. Kind of cool – don’t like stressing my heart you know. 🙂
That’s great, Sarah! I’m glad you so clearly noticed a difference. Going forward, continue to use the word “release” to help support you to release weight with greater confidence and ease. Warmly, Diane
When said I want to lose weight I immediately felt like it was hopeless and it was set up for another failure. But I found as I journaled it was more than that. Losing something is usually a negative thing. I have lost very important people in my life as well as my childhood, so that was quite an AHA! moment for me. When I said I release the weight, it was by choice. I was set free. There is so much more to it but for now I hope what I have written will speak to someone else.
Dear Maureen,
Thank you for sharing. Yes, I believe this helps others. The words we use define us in ways that can either hold us back or set us free. Your post is an example of this. Thank you for letting others know the power of how a simple word shift in the weight release journey makes a huge difference. Blessings, Diane
The difference to me was pretty subtle, but noticeable, and attached to the word “release.” When you say the word “release” in your head, it causes an emotional feeling that goes with a physical feeling and seems to pair up with the idea of releasing stress. Breathe out… say the word “release” in your head, and feel the tension exiting your body.
Hi Lauren,
I’m glad you tried this and noticed the difference. It really helps to think of “releasing” the weight from your body rather than “losing” it. Changing your thinking allows the weight to release more effortlessly. Thank you for sharing!
Warmly,
Diane
When i say i want to lose weight my body tenses and becomes closed off . when i say i will release my weight i relax and feel like im melting my fat away
Beautiful, Donna!
I’m so glad you tried this for yourself. Shifting our words makes such a huge difference. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Warmly,
Diane
When I said “I want to lose weight”, I felt slow moving energy. When I said “I want to release weight”, I felt energy moving from my head and finger tips move throughout my body, down to my feet! Now I going to walk in the grass to release the energy!
Rosalyn… That’s awesome!
Thank you for sharing your experience with this exercise. I’m glad you could feel the difference between lose and release. Walking in the grass sounds lovely. Enjoy!
Warmly,
Diane
I gave this a shot not knowing what to think, it was so simple. When I said I wanted to lose weight, I felt heavy and hopeless. Then when I said I released the weight, I immediately got light headed, my body was lightly tingling and my body felt 100 lbs lighter. I was completely shocked. I said it again, felt the same thing and burst into tears. I felt the weight of the world had lifted off me and I felt free. Thank you for this! It has really helped me and I can’t wait to tell myself this every morning.
Hi Steph,
I’m so glad to hear how this has helped you. Our words are so powerful! And thank you so much for sharing your experience as it will be helpful to others.
Wishing you all the best.
Warmly,
Diane
This is good. I will say the same thing about the trauma associated with it. Thanks!
Hi Beth,
I’m glad you find this helpful. Thanks for commenting!
Warmly,
Diane