Surrender is Not Giving Up!
Within the Darkness I Abide
Although I am in process …I will freely admit that I have always been a ‘control freak’ …not just an itty bitty one, but a monster of one… Using all my precious energy trying to create a master plan to predict and prevent things that I cannot possibly foretell or twart. I understand that it stems from my past…Previous experiences of loss, betrayal, or trauma caused me to feel a loss of any control over my life…developing a strong and overwhelming need for control over everything and everybody touching my life, as a defense mechanism…just possibly, I could prevent similar negative experiences from occurring in my future…often in business that wasn’t even mine to control…micromanaging the universe is an impossible task 
Imagine that…
“You must learn to let go. Release the stress. You were never in control anyway.” ~Steve Maraboli
It’s human nature to want to control what we fear will harm us …we all experience anxiety of the darkness in the unknown…but the most powerful thing we can do is surrender. Trust is the most powerful antidote for the anxiety and worry…that boa constrictor intense pressure that wraps around your body and mind…my monkey mind on adrenaline …unable to concentrate…running back and forth from past to present like superman on steroids …the twisted stomach with butterflies on speed …unable to settle and be aware of the present moment.
The Paradox of Surrender
The energy of surrender accomplishes much more than the energy of trying to control …so much calmer and more peaceful. Able to breath deeper and become present in the moment.
The paradox of strength in surrender is that letting go of control and surrendering to a situation or circumstance can lead to a sense of inner strength and empowerment. It may initially seem counterintuitive because surrender is often associated with weakness or giving up. However, embracing surrender can in reality provide a source of strength in the following ways:
1. Releasing Resistance: When we resist or fight against a situation that is beyond our control, it can drain our energy and create unnecessary stress. By surrendering and accepting what is, we conserve our energy and redirect it towards more productive and meaningful endeavours. This release of resistance allows us to approach challenges with a clearer and more focused mindset.
2. Letting Go of Attachments: Surrendering often involves letting go of attachments to specific outcomes or expectations. This detachment frees us from the pressure of trying to control every aspect of our lives. It allows us to be more flexible, adaptable, and open to alternative paths or possibilities. In this sense, surrender becomes a source of resilience and resourcefulness.
3. Trusting the Process: Surrendering requires trust—trust in ourselves, in the universe, or in a higher power. By relinquishing control and trusting that things will unfold as they should, we tap into a deeper sense of faith and inner knowing. This trust in the process can cultivate patience, resilience, and a profound sense of inner strength.
4. Embracing Vulnerability: Surrender often involves acknowledging our vulnerability and recognizing that we don’t have all the answers or complete control over every situation. By embracing vulnerability and accepting our limitations, we can foster deeper connections with others, seek support when needed, and cultivate resilience in the face of uncertainty.
5. Finding Inner Peace: Surrendering allows us to release the burden of constantly trying to control and manipulate outcomes. It opens the door to experiencing inner peace and contentment, as we learn to be more present in the moment and let go of unnecessary worries and anxieties.
The paradox of strength in surrender lies in the realization that true power comes from acknowledging our limitations, relinquishing control, and embracing the flow of life. It involves recognizing that strength is not always about force or control, but rather about the ability to navigate challenges with grace, resilience, and trust.
The Transformative Power of Faith
Faith, in its various forms, has long been recognized as a powerful force that can bring about profound transformations in individuals’ lives. It can be rooted in religious beliefs, spirituality, or a deep trust in oneself or the universe (God), faith has the potential to shape perspectives, inspire actions, and foster personal growth. Here are some ways in which faith can be transformative:
1. Providing Meaning and Purpose: Faith can offer a sense of meaning and purpose, allowing individuals to connect with something greater than themselves. It can provide a guiding framework for navigating life’s challenges, making choices aligned with one’s values, and finding fulfillment in the pursuit of a greater purpose.
2. Nurturing Hope and Resilience: Faith can instill hope, even in the face of adversity. Believing in a positive outcome, divine guidance, or one’s own inner strength can fuel resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles. It can empower individuals to persist, adapt, and find new paths forward, even when circumstances seem challenging or uncertain.
3. Cultivating Inner Peace and Serenity: Faith can offer solace and a sense of inner peace. Trusting in a higher power or a greater plan can bring comfort, relieving anxiety, and providing a refuge from the stresses of daily life. It can help individuals let go of worries, find acceptance, and embrace a state of serenity.
4. Fostering Healing and Forgiveness: Faith can facilitate emotional healing and the process of forgiveness. Beliefs in divine grace, redemption, or the power of love can inspire individuals to extend compassion, let go of resentment, and seek reconciliation. Faith can provide a framework for personal growth, self-reflection, and the restoration of relationships.
5. Inspiring Courage and Empowerment: Faith can empower individuals to step outside their comfort zones and pursue their dreams. Believing in oneself, divine support, or the inherent goodness of the universe can boost self-confidence and encourage taking bold actions. It can ignite the courage to face fears, embrace vulnerability, and embrace personal growth.
6. Fostering Connection and Community: Faith often brings people together in shared beliefs, values, or spiritual practices. It can create a sense of belonging and support, nurturing a community of like-minded individuals who provide encouragement, understanding, and companionship on life’s journey. Such connections can foster personal growth and a sense of being part of something greater than oneself.
Everyone may find meaning, inspiration, and transformation through different belief systems or practices. The power of faith lies in its ability to provide hope, guidance, and a sense of connection to help individuals navigate life’s challenges, find purpose, and experience personal growth.
To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don’t grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float. Alan Watts
https://iamfearlesssoul.com/quotes-on-faith
