In our tireless pursuit of happiness and fulfillment, we often find ourselves grappling with the tumultuous waves of life, at the mercy of stresses and strains that seem to pull us away from the tranquillity we yearn for. But what if the key to uncovering the oasis of inner peace within us lies not in resisting life’s inevitable ebbs and flows but in submitting to them?

Welcome to our latest exploration of the transformative power of surrender. This blog post delves into the profound concept of submission or surrender- an acceptance that ultimately leads to the tranquillity we seek. Through the art of letting go, we discover that true peace is not about controlling every Outcome in our lives, but about learning to flow with the rhythm of life’s natural currents.

Let Life Flow

From my early days, I’ve always been a bit of a rebel, exerting my will to shape outcomes to match my vision. Though this approach bore fruit on occasion, it was far from infallible. There came a point when I acknowledged that my will was not all-powerful, that there was a more significant force at play to which everything inevitably yielded.

 This understanding revealed to me that surrender is not a defeat but a harmonious alignment with the universal rhythm. It was accepting that we cannot control everything and that sometimes the most empowering thing we can do is let go and believe in a higher power.

Spiritual Transformation and Power of Surrender

When it comes to a spiritual journey, we have distinct experiences. The first powerful lesson you learn on this transformative journey is to surrender to God. When we submit, we allow the divine intelligence to guide us, opening ourselves to transformative experiences that can drastically shift our perception. 

This shift often uncovers a depth of love, joy, and peace independent of external circumstances, radically transforming our approach to life. Therefore, it is not a one-time act but an ongoing process, a continuous unfolding of our true spiritual nature.

Practice surrender daily to be deeply restorative, much like a session in a Nordica Sauna, where the warmth encourages relaxation, mindfulness, and inner healing.  

The Power of Surrender Versus Ego

The power of surrender and the ego engage in a delicate dance, each vying for control.

Ego

The ego, a strong force within us, seeks to assert control and resist change to protect our self-image. It clings to familiarity, even if it hinders our growth. The ego brings tension, conflict, and dissatisfaction by insisting on control. It creates stress when circumstances don’t meet our expectations. 

Surrender

 In contrast, the power of surrender cultivates peace and acceptance. It acknowledges the limitations of our control and embraces life’s uncertainties. It invites us to release rigid attachments, release the need for control, and trust in the natural flow of energy.

In the battle between the ego and surrender, the victor is determined by understanding and acceptance. When you recognize the ego’s futile quest for control and allow God to guide you, you align with the reality of life’s flux. 

Example

Take, for instance, the powerful image of a river. A river does not resist the landscape. Instead, it gracefully finds its path around mountains and valleys. When it encounters a boulder, it doesn’t stop and struggle; it simply flows around it. The river bows to the terrain, and in doing so, it finds its path. This is a perfect embodiment of the concept of submission. Like the river, when we stop resisting and start embracing life as it unfolds, we find our path toward inner peace and fulfillment.

Inner wisdom and submission

 Inner wisdom, also known as intuition, guides us beyond intellectual understanding. It senses the truth of situations, people, and our feelings.

You do not inherit inner wisdom at birth; instead, you acquire it through the hardships and trials of life. Those who possess wisdom have likely traversed challenging circumstances. The spiritual journey is a potent teacher of the wisdom of surrender.

When you find yourself in the depths of life’s darkest moments —abandoned by friends and loved ones, facing an inexplicable crisis —when your inner intellect is baffled by the path forward, that is precisely when you perceive the presence of a higher authority. This higher power intervenes, unveiling the truths of the world around you, imparting inner wisdom, and guiding you to cope with such situations. All you need to do is yield and submit to this higher influence.

By submitting, you create a space for this wisdom to manifest. Anyone who connects with their higher sense of belonging acquires wisdom through this connection. You then learn to dispel preconceptions, judgments, and fears that obscure your insight. Your inner wisdom radiates, leading you toward choices in harmony with your authentic self and the greater good.”

The power of the Surrender of Prophet Ibrahim

One of the most poignant illustrations of submission is seen in the story of Prophet Ibrahim, a figure revered in Islam. Relentless tests and trials marked Ibrahim’s life, yet his unwavering trust in Allah and willingness to bow down set him apart.

Ibrahim’s monumental instance came when Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Though it was a heart-wrenching command, Ibrahim, in his deep faith, decided to obey. As he was about to perform the sacrifice, Allah sent a ram to be sacrificed instead, recognizing Ibrahim’s devotion. This incident has been memorialized in the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha.

Ibrahim’s story vividly reminds us that relying on a higher power doesn’t imply passive resignation but active trust in the grand scheme. His life symbolizes that true power resides not in relentless control but in the profound strength of submission.

Quranic verses on the power of surrender

• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285): “The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers.’ And they say, ‘We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination.'”
• Surah Al-Imran (3:19): “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them, out of jealousy and hatred between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah, then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account.”
• Surah Al-An’am (6:71)   “Say, ‘Shall we invoke instead of Allah that which neither benefits us nor harms us and be turned back on our heels after Allah has guided us? [We would then be] like one whom the devils enticed [to wander] upon the earth confused, [while] he has companions inviting him to guidance, [calling], ‘Come to us.’ Say, ‘Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance, and we have been commanded to submit to the Lord of the worlds.'”

What if we don’t understand the power of surrender

When life is going perfectly, it can be challenging to perceive the depth of one’s relationship with a higher entity. However, setbacks in life, particularly when a loved one is battling a chronic and incurable disease with no hope from doctors, can lead to a profound need for solace and comfort. In these moments of distress, individuals often seek a connection with a higher power that can provide the comforting words their hearts yearn to hear. In these moments of vulnerability, people willingly submit to a higher entity, seeking relief and guidance.

Without such a connection, feelings of loneliness and uncertainty can take hold. Refusing to submit to a higher power may lead to a struggle to independently control and make sense of every aspect of life. 

The resistance to acknowledging a higher force can result in an inability to reconcile with life’s unpredictability, leading to stress, anxiety, and a lack of inner peace. So why surrender to Him in need only, not in the moments of happiness, too?

7 Ways to Practice Surrender Daily

Surrendering to a higher power can be a profoundly transformative process. Here are some steps that might help you take a step back:

•  Acknowledge forces larger than yourself and take the first step towards submission.
• Use mindfulness to cultivate peace and connection with a higher power.
•  Recognize areas where you seek to control and consciously release your grip.
•  Have faith in the unfolding of events, even when the path is unclear.
• Cultivate gratitude to embrace the present moment and foster submission.
• Accept that life is entirely uncertain and embrace it
•  Share experiences with like-minded individuals or mentors to support your journey.

Surrender a Spiritual Practice

The saying goes, “The measure of a person’s true power lies in their ability to give in.” It’s a powerful reminder of how true strength isn’t about control but about embracing the flow of life. Submission doesn’t mean being passive or giving up. It’s an active choice to give up the illusion of control after getting clarity and trust in life’s wisdom. By submitting, we tap into our inner strength, finding resilience, acceptance, and peace. This approach helps us gracefully navigate life’s challenges with flexibility and unwavering faith, harnessing the essence of true power. 

One thing I have learned across my spiritual journey is that the more you submit to Him, the more you will experience flow and authority in your life. It means the more you understand the power of surrender and trust in the one who deserves it, the more He will raise you among His creation.

Either you decide to surrender or fight. 

Life’s journey is all about the delicate balance between submission and struggle. Every decision you make falls into one of these categories: submitting to the circumstances with acceptance and faith or fighting to assert your will and desire for control. Giving in can bring profound peace and a sense of connection to something greater, while fighting showcases our resilience, determination, and courage in challenging the status quo.

Learn to differentiate, when to let go, and when to hold on, recognizing that both submission and struggle have their place in the grand tapestry of life.

How to submit to the Outcome

Trust and acceptance are key to accepting the Outcome. It means accepting that we can’t control everything, no matter how hard we try. The first step is to know what you want and work hard for it. But you must realize that the Outcome may not be in your control.

After doing your part, let things happen organically. That doesn’t imply you stop caring about results. It means accepting whatever comes your way without letting it define you or your happiness. Mindfulness and meditation can dramatically improve your focus and help you avoid ‘what-ifs.’

Submitting to the Outcome isn’t giving up; it’s accepting that life’s flow is beyond our control.

The Power of Surrender Quotes

“Surrender to the journey of the unknown will and let your divine force guide you.”

                                                                                                        – Sheryl Crow

“In surrender, you no longer need ego defenses and false masks. You become very simple, very real. That’s the moment where real change happens.” 

                                                                                                    – Eckhart Tolle

FAQs about Power of Surrender