Dream, Release, Repeat: The Art of Creating Without a Death Grip
Chandra Eden, The True Me Yogi
Success Left A Clue
Author: Robert Raymond Riopel
"We'll talk more about the concept of Intention in the next chapter, but for now, I want you to think about creating your dream with the intent of making it a reality, then giving that dream the space it needs to happen. Most people hang on so tightly to what an outcome 'should' look like and a rigid timeline for its achievement that they miss the true power of the creation. When you truly want to create, I want you to dream, set the intention, let it go, and then be open to however it comes back. In other words, don't be attached. When you do this, you may just be surprised at what happens, just like I was when I began my own journey."
Dream, Release, Repeat: The Art of Creating Without a Death Grip
Here’s the paradox no one tells you when you decide to “create your best life” (cue ethereal flute music): the more you white-knuckle the outcome, the more it slips through your fingers like a greased marble. The quote nails it—dream, set the intention, let it go, then stay open. Translation: order your entrée, stop harassing the waiter, and be ready to enjoy what shows up—especially when it’s better than what you imagined.
Attachment is creativity’s stage-5 clinger. It masquerades as “commitment,” but it’s actually control in a cute outfit. When you’re attached, you don’t just want a result—you want it your way, on your timeline, in your packaging. You micromanage the universe like it’s a junior intern. And then you’re shocked when it ignores you.
So what does it look like to create without clutching? Think of it as the art of intentional aim with relaxed hands. You aim at what matters. You release the arrow. You don’t sprint downrange to reposition the target mid-flight.
Why letting go works (no incense required)
It reduces noise. Attachment floods your brain with anxiety and what-ifs. Letting go clears mental bandwidth so your best ideas can get airtime.
It widens the doorway. When you fixate on one narrow path, you miss the back entrance, side window, and rooftop hatch life keeps offering.
It boosts resilience. If Plan A faceplants, you don’t, because you were never married to Plan A—just to the essence of what you wanted.
Intention vs. attachment (know the difference)
Intention: Clear, values-aligned direction. “I’m building work that feels useful and pays well.”
Attachment: Demanding delivery details. “It must be this job title at this company by Friday or I will perish.”
Intention: Anchors you.
Attachment: Handcuffs you.
How to practice the “dream, intend, release” method
1. Name the essence, not the packaging
Write a one-sentence intention that focuses on qualities and impact, not the props.
Instead of: “I need 10k followers by Q4.”
Try: “I want to reach the people who need this and create real engagement.”
Essence unlocks paths you can’t predict. Packaging narrows you to one brittle route.
2. Set a flexible metric
Yes, measure things—just don’t make them your Lord and Savior. Pick a leading indicator you can influence daily.
Examples: Pitches sent, pages written, prototypes tested, conversations started.
You control inputs. Let outcomes lag behind like they always do.
Create an “If not this, then how?” reflex
Every time a door shuts, ask: What is the essence I’m aiming for, and what’s another route that honors it?
Rejection from Publisher A? Essence: share ideas. Routes: blog, newsletter, indie release, talk, workshop.
Rig the game so you can’t lose—only reroute.
4. Time-box the obsession
Give yourself 30 minutes to obsess about a goal like it’s your job. List ideas, risks, next actions. Then close the tab in your brain. Obsession needs a sandbox. Otherwise it floods the house.
5. Do one “release action” daily
This is a small move that signals trust and openness.
Publish the piece without tweaking it 17 more times.
Send the email you keep rewriting.
Ship the ugly v1 and learn in public.
Action is how you let go. Otherwise you’re just thinking about letting go while clinging tightly.
6. Build an option garden
Don’t plant one seed and glare at the soil. Plant many. Diversify efforts so no single result decides your mood. Options create confidence. Confidence creates better work. Better work creates results.
7. Run the 48-hour detachment drill
After you make a bold ask—apply, pitch, post—no checking stats or inboxes for two days. Use that time to do work that matters. This trains your nervous system to decouple worth from immediate feedback.
How to spot when you’re attached (and unwind it)
Red flags:
You’re bargaining with reality: “If I do X perfectly, I deserve Y now.”
You interpret silence as doom.
Tiny setbacks hijack your whole day.
You keep editing instead of shipping.
Quick resets:
Name the fear: “If this doesn’t happen, I’m afraid it means…” (spoiler: it doesn’t).
Return to essence: “What do I actually want to create/experience/express?”
Pick a 20-minute input you can do now. Momentum is the antidote to fixation.
Real talk about control
Letting go isn’t laziness. It’s choosing mastery over the only things you truly have: your attention, your effort, your attitude, your next step. You’re not surrendering your dream; you’re surrendering the demand that reality arrive in a costume you designed six months ago. Often, what shows up is weirder, richer, and better timed. Sometimes it’s a plot twist. Sometimes it’s a pivot. Either way, you’re moving.
A simple weekly rhythm
Monday: Write your essence intention for the week in one sentence.
Daily: Two input actions that advance the intention. One release action.
Friday: Review outcomes lightly. Ask, “What did I learn? Where am I gripping? What will I plant next week?”
Weekend: Do something delightfully off-plan. Surprise invites surprise.
A final nudge
Dream like an architect. Intend like a scientist. Release like a surfer—read the wave, commit, then let the ocean do some of the work. When you stop strangling the result, you make space for the unexpected to find you. That’s not magical thinking. That’s good creative hygiene.
Set the intention. Let it go. Keep your eyes open. The universe has a flair for returns and exchanges—and occasionally, it upgrades your order.