When I left my former career of 20+ years to follow my heart’s calling, I half-jokingly said I was going to run my own surrendering experiment. I am inspired to write this piece because someone recently asked me how to surrender.
The topic of surrendering comes up when we run into situations we can’t control. It is not about waving a white flag or giving up in face of adversities. It is about letting go of the familiar so that we have space to reclaim all that we are.
When we reclaim all aspects of ourselves, we tap into our authentic power.
Being in our power is not about controlling others. It is about being crystal clear of our wants and needs and expressing them in ways that can be heard. We don’t get caught up with others’ opinions of us.
We are in our power when our words, thoughts and actions are aligned. Being congruent helps the body to heal. We feel lighter and brighter. Our presence inspires others to honor themselves.
Reflecting on my surrendering experiment, I want to share my key findings with you:
Tame the Thinking Mind
With an engineering background, I used to identify myself with my intellect. I came to realize that I am so much more than that. The incessant mental chatter prevented me from having an intimate connection with all that I am.
When I am busy thinking and doing, my mind becomes too active. I have discovered certain activities slow down the mental chatter. Calming the mind allows insights to gently flow into my awareness.
Some of the activities that slow down my mind and help me be more receptive to inner guidance are: taking showers, doing dishes, cooking, taking walks in nature, gardening, and engaging in enjoyable movement practices.
Have a Structure and Allow for Flexibility
The more chaotic or uncertain life is, the more important it is to use daily practices to center ourselves and set the tone for the day.
Life was predictable before I left the job, and it was easier to set time aside for my daily practices. When I first transitioned to my vocation, I had lots of flexibility but my schedule became less predictable. I felt disoriented.
Surrendering is about being unattached to that which helps us feel safe and comfortable. I had become too attached to how my daily practices should go. It has taken me a while to learn to integrate my practices throughout the day.
Being less fixated about my daily practices has helped me be more adaptable. As a result, I am more present and available when unexpected situations come up and need my attention.
Close One Door to Allow More Doors to Open
Surrendering is about letting go of the old for something better to emerge. Many of us struggle with letting go because we associate that with losses. It helps me to reframe letting go as completing one phase of the journey.
When I left my job, I lost my sense of security on many levels. When it was time to renew my engineering license, I struggled with not renewing it. I had thought returning to engineering could be my backup plan.
By forgoing my license, I was declaring that I was ready to let go of my old identity and notion of how money comes to me. As I place my trust in the Divine, the unfoldment exceeds my plan, understanding and imagination.
Let Go of “Needing to Be Right”
I grew up in an environment where we learned to improve by assessing people and situations. These assessments often turned into fault-finding discussions. That orientation had caused a lot of restrictions in my approach to life.
For years, I couldn’t get into yoga because I was trying to do it right or comparing myself with others. Then I met a teacher who uses yoga to help students develop a sense of Self. She also suggests different adaptations.
This type of yoga helps me gain a new sense of freedom. I can now loosen my grip on the need to judge myself and others. Instead of stewing on who is right or wrong, I ask “help me see what I am not seeing, and what is my next step?”
Stay Connected with My Soul Family
The surrendering experiment would not have been possible without my soul family. Being raised to be independent, I am amazed what it takes to surrender my ideas of truth so that I can find the real me.
My soul family saw what I was made of before I could see that in myself. Their support helped me realize I was not alone when those who had known me for decades didn’t understand my decision to leave a high-paying secure job.
The love of my soul family continues to sustain me when life seems unbearable. I can celebrate my wins and breakthroughs with my soul family when others cannot relate to my experiences.
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Many people think knowledge is power. We think the more we know, the more we can control situations. This is true up to certain extent. There are times when knowledge actually hinders us from venturing into unchartered territories.
Being able to trust in times of uncertainties is so important because our outlook affects our choices, which shape our future. My surrendering experiment helps me develop my trust in the unknown so that I can tap into wisdom beyond me.
Surrendering to our authentic power is not for the faint of heart, but the journey is very rewarding. The April meditation is intended to support you on that journey. You can sign up for future meditations here – Honor the Sacred Within.
With Love,
I help clients regain vitality,
transcend limitations, and
own their divine presence.