As Mitsuko learned to let go, she began to notice the beauty of the world around her. She saw the way the sunlight danced through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. She heard the sweet songs of the birds, and felt the gentle breeze rustling her hair.
As they walked back to their home, Mitsuko began to understand the lesson her mother was trying to impart. She realized that life was full of moments like the peonies - fleeting and ephemeral. If she held on too tightly, she might miss the beauty of the present.
Over the next few weeks, Mitsuko practiced letting go. She released her grip on a favorite toy, allowing her younger brother to play with it. She let go of her resistance to trying new foods, discovering a love for her mother's cooking. And she even let go of her anger towards a friend who had unintentionally hurt her feelings.