Can you let go of the banana?

I was recently reading and came across information about the way monkeys are trapped in some areas of the world.  A tree or a gourd is hollowed out and food, like a banana is put inside.  Monkeys can smell the banana and they reach in to grab the treat only to get stuck inside.  With their hands clenched over the banana they can not get out of the trap and are then left with a choice.  

Let go of the banana and get free

or 

hold on to the banana and remain trapped.

Silly monkey - just let go!

 

But then it hit me how hard that really is! 

If I replace the banana with things like perfectionism, anger, resentment, negativity I realize that it is not just the monkey that gets stuck.  We all find ourselves trapped because we can't seem to let go of something that keeps us from moving on.  

Being able to just RELEASE and LET GO is all that is needed to set us free.  

Yet why do we have such difficulty doing so?

Is there something you are holding on to that is keeping you trapped recently? 

 

Is it conflict with a friend, anger over a work situation, desire to please others or be perfect?

What would happen if you were able to release whatever it is you are holding on to?  

What is your banana?

 Can you let it go?