“Surrender is the ultimate sign of strength and the foundation for a spiritual life. Surrendering affirms that we are no longer willing to live in pain. It expresses a deep desire to transcend our struggles and transform our negative emotions. It commands a life beyond our egos, beyond that part of ourselves that is continually reminding us that we are separate, different and alone. Surrendering allows us to return to our true nature and move effortlessly through the cosmic dance called life. It’s a powerful statement that proclaims the perfect order of the universe.
When you surrender your will, you are saying, “Even though things are not exactly how I’d like them to be, I will face my reality. I will look it directly in the eye and allow it to be here.” Surrender and serenity are synonymous; you can’t experience one without the other. So if it’s serenity you’re searching for, it’s close by. All you have to do is resign as General Manager of the Universe. Choose to trust that there is a greater plan for you and that if you surrender, it will be unfolded in time.
Surrender is a gift that you can give yourself. It’s an act of faith. It’s saying that even though I can’t see where this river is flowing, I trust it will take me in the right direction.”
5 Comments
Cedric Canard
This made me smile. Only recently, I was listening to a colleague talk about this very topic which she’d read about in a book. She told me how she now truly believed that surrendering would give her the perfect life. I agreed, but her choice of words made me wary, so I asked her to define “the perfect life”, hoping she would answer: “Whatever the universe has planned for me”. But it turned out that she hadn’t quite let go of her goals and dreams. She was still attached to the concepts of good life versus bad life.
Many years ago, when I was learning Tai Chi and failing to get the right power behind a move, my teacher said I had to let go of what I thought the move should be and surrender instead. I asked: “Surrender to what?”, to which he replied: “Not surrender to something or someone, just surrender. It is not an act, it is an attitude. No expectations, no judgements”. Unfortunately, I can’t say I was instantly illuminated; it took me years to get that Tai Chi move 🙂
By the way, I’m liking the photographic theme in your recent posts. Sunrise is the most magical part of the day.
Monte Stevens
When I stopped trying to control life and surrendered to best of my abilities at that time in life a great burden was lifted. I had no idea where my step would be but I no longer wanted to live the life I’d been living. That was surrender.
Cedric Canard
Your approach to surrender, my friend, I do believe, is the best way to go about it. Not knowing where your next step will take you but having faith all the same that it will be where you need to be. Good for you Monte.
Tom Dills
Too many of us use a lot of energy trying to run the show, instead of accepting the things we are presented with. I think it comes down to minding our own business and allowing others to run their own. But if you ever get nominated for General Manager of the Universe I’d probably vote for you. 😉
I agree with Cedric… I’m loving the early morning scenes. That’s one of the advantages of a later sunrise at this time of year!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Tom. I am loving the early morning scenes, always have.
General Manager of the Universe. Sounds way beyond my skill level. Think I’ll just continue to rise early, enjoy my quiet meditation time then head for coffee and photography. On my walk this morning to the coffee I had the crap scared of me by a squirrel. I never saw him/her until I was right on him. Truly woke me up! 🙂