Surrender As A Spiritual Practice  

 The one thing we know for sure, whether we like it or not, change is a constant force in our lives. Right now we are enjoying the change from winter into spring and that is delightful and wonderful. But what about the times when it is personal and a surprise or unwelcome?  Over the past months I have heard many people talk about how their lives are feeling “out of control” and in chaos. They are having trouble making sense of all the uncertainty that is in front of them as their world seems to spin out of control.  From my own life I know I am more open and accepting of the change when I can see how I will benefit from it. But when circumstances demand that a change is needed and it is hard to see the blessing in it, I can almost feel myself digging in my heels and fighting it at every turn.

 

 Whenever I think about resisting the things that are happening in my life I always think about this childhood story. I grew up with horses and would often go riding bareback. My brother and I would hop on with only a bridle and go for a ride thru the woods. Walking was probably safer, but it was way more fun to cantor.  Without a saddle or stir-ups to hold me in place, I used my knees pressed into the side of the horse to hold on. I loved that feeling of moving to the rhythm of the horse, it was as if we were moving in one motion.  The minute I became fearful, I knew it and the horse knew it and I was in for a rough ride. I often look back on this and realize it is a metaphor for life. When we are resistant to anything it becomes harder and more difficult. However, when we can move with the flow of life it becomes easier and more harmonious.

So I pose this question; if we know change is constant, and we know it becomes harder when we resist it, then what perspective would allow us to move thru it with more ease and grace?

Einstein said that we cannot solve a problem from the same consciousness that created it. If we use only our intellect to try to figure it out, to navigate the change, it will be hard and difficult, feeling defeated as circumstances keep changing. We must move past our logical thinking into a higher perspective that incorporates the spiritual aspect of surrender.

We must understand that the tighter we try to hold on to what was, the more we are really trying to control it. Surrender is the spiritual practice of letting go of all the thoughts and feelings that are keeping us stuck in one way of thinking about something. Anything we cannot release will keep binding us until we are forced to release it. We usually call that having our back against the wall and often it is because we have held on to too tight for too long. Surrendering it is not about giving up but about being willing to hand it over to a higher power and in so doing we have acknowledged the Divine guidance at work in our lives. We call on our faith and trust in God to help us maneuver what lies before us.

What if we could let go of the fear and negative thoughts that so often accompany holding on to what was? Think of it as a form of release and a practice that would allow you to take a deep breath and say, maybe I don’t have to have all the answers or have it all figured out. We call this spiritual self-awareness and it helps us see the places that need our attention and loving care. Looking at ourselves with a kind heart allows to move past where we are and into a place that is in harmony with your highest good.

Let’s go back for a moment to the story about riding bareback. Where are you holding on for dear life? What are the beliefs and fears that are keeping you stuck? For a moment, close your eyes and imagine that you are moving in sync with everything around you? That everything, whether you realize it or not is working on your behalf. Would it not just be easier to flow with it? I know this is often easier said than done, but my hope for you and everyone is that we might all be able to relinquish the control and damaging thoughts enough to imagine a new reality for ourselves. Blessing on your travels thru change.

 

~Sandy Thibault

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