Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: A Yogic Take On Letting Go

Topic courtesy of Diana A. Writing inspired by the teachings of Michael A. Singer

Those of us from a particular age group recall the saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” I remember seeing the small book prominently displayed at nearly every store I entered, and then it eventually found its way into our living room. I read bits and pieces of the book, and it made sense to me at the time and seemed practical. This little saying permeated pop culture, and I tried to incorporate that saying into my life, with only mild success, before it and my acid-washed jeans faded into the background. 

However, this little quote is incredibly profound, which is probably why it was so popular. I didn’t recognize its importance until years later, when my yoga practice deepened and I started digging into yoga philosophy. It particularly resonated with me when I became acquainted with Michael Singer’s writings and lectures. 

When the phrase resurfaced, it came with new insight. As I considered this tidy little pop-psych nugget, I recognized its spiritual resonance. The letting go of life’s smaller, everyday irritations is like training wheels for when the bigger things come along (and the bigger things will come along!). 

In The Untethered Soul, Singer writes:

“You will not be free until you are willing to release the inner disturbance caused by the outside world.”

Singer then points you straight to your lived experience—especially those micro-moments of inner disturbance. Someone cuts you off in traffic. Your partner leaves dishes next to the sink (not in it). An urgent text goes unanswered. Boom—agitation arises. As this “small stuff” shows up, that’s the yoga. That’s the work!

Most of us think we need to “fix” the outside to feel peace on the inside. But Singer flips that. The outside world is going to do what it does. You don’t need to fix the moment—you need to free yourself from the disturbance created within you!

In Living Untethered, Mickey says:

“Life creates situations that push your buttons. But what you’ll find is that it’s not really about the situation—it’s about the buttons.”

This is both incredibly annoying and incredibly liberating.

The “small stuff” is not a nuisance on your spiritual path—it is your spiritual path. Each annoyance is an arrow pointing straight to a place inside you that’s holding tension, identity, or control. And according to Singer (and every serious yogi, honestly), your job is to relax, breathe, and let it pass through.

Now, let me be real. I don’t always do this gracefully. Sometimes I still sweat it, and some moments seem to last for hours, where I even stew. But over time, I’ve learned to notice. I catch the disturbance as it rises, and I remember: this is the practice.

Asana is beautiful. Meditation is powerful. Chanting is uplifting. Each is a branch of yoga designed to move us forward on our path of Self-discovery. And, the decision not to clench when you’re triggered? That’s yet another tool of yoga, some might even say liberation in action.

Singer invites us to “lean away from the reaction.” That doesn’t mean suppressing it or pretending it’s not there. It means noticing the impulse—but choosing not to feed it. Just watch. Let it pass through, like a cloud drifting across the sky.

As he puts it:

“Do not let anything that happens in life be important enough that you’re willing to close your heart over it.”

That’s the invitation. And to be honest, it’s a bold one. But for me, it’s also been one of the most liberating and loving practices I’ve ever taken on.

To be clear, this is about the day-to-day irritations and emotional snags, not deep grief or trauma. When dealing with more significant issues, the most courageous choice is often to seek support from a trusted professional.

But when the small stuff comes knocking—and it always does—see if you can pause. Breathe. Feel what’s happening inside without immediately reacting. It’s not about being polite or passive. It’s about reclaiming your inner freedom.

This is the work. Not a detour from the spiritual path, but the path itself.

Jai Bhagwan, 

Kristine