Healing begins when we relax and surrender. Our old emotional paradigms and unhealthy mental resistance (known as samskaras) melt away when we surrender. A spiritual alchemy resets the internal dialogue to one of trusting the forward flow of grace. It states that when we surrender to our yoga practice, we offer ourselves to the practice itself, trusting that by letting go of the outcome we can find ultimate freedom. (Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, verse 7).
When we have a deep reaction surrounding surrender, it is often because our emotions are tied up into old stories about giving up. But this is a very different thing. In this context, surrender is what allows life to offer her best to us. As Paolo Coelho writes in The Alchemist, “the universe is conspiring on our behalf.”
When we remove emotion from the equation, we are able let go of the struggles we keep repeating. The emotional element in our internal struggle requires untold amounts of energy. This is what prevents us from truly moving forward. We cannot transform if we are weighed down.
“Always say yes to the present moment. What could be more futile, more insane, than to create inner resistance to what already is? What could be more insane than to oppose life itself, which is now and always now? Surrender to what is. Say “yes” to life — and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you.” – Eckhart Tolle
In other words, it is not necessary to “qualify” for surrender. It is not another means to perfection just like perfecting your yoga poses is not the goal of practice. We must let go of perfectionist tendencies to allow for what is possible. “Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become,” says Reinhold Niebuhr so simply. It is the idea that who we are now is not yet who we are meant to be. The unseen world believes in our potential for greatness and is always on our side. Trust the process and this helps to reinforce change for the better.
Truth be told, I am a dedicated student of surrender, but what brought me here was resistance. As I became more adept at surrender I allowed the universe to deliver her best to me. I gave up attachment to results and I heeded the advice of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, “Banish the ego and develop the spirit of surrender. You will then experience Bliss.”
My motivation to apply myself to surrender was because I wanted to be happier. Through surrender I have finally found the ordinary happiness I longed for and I am so grateful. Love yourself, love your day, love your life!
Mantra: I surrender and allow the universe to deliver her best to me.
I surrender.
I surrender the need to know why things happen.
I surrender the need to know the outcome.
I surrender the need to be needed.
I surrender to love as my guide.
I surrender my need for approval.
I surrender to sleep.I let go.
I let go of the details.
I let go of over controlling.
I let go of my worry.
I let go of my fear.
I let go of my resistance.
I let go of negative thoughts.
