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 the outcome in every aspect of our lives but about learning to flow with the rhythm of life’s natural currents.
Table of Contents
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 fruits 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 while going through this transformative journey is that of 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.
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, 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 wisdom in the moment of surrender.
When you find yourself in the depths of life’s darkest moments, abandoned by friends and loved ones, facing an inexplicable crisis, where your inner intellect is baffled by the path forward, that is precisely where 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 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.
RELATED: 7 Easy Ways To Practice Spiritual Solitude
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 surrender to a higher power?
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 control and make sense of every aspect of life independently.
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 the need only, not in the moments of happiness, too?
7 Ways to surrender to a higher power
Surrender 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 of uncertainties and embrace them.
- Share experiences with like-minded individuals or mentors to support your journey.
The Greatness of a Man’s Power is the Measure of His Surrender
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 surrender and trust to the one who deserves it, the more He will raise you among His creation.
RELATED: Emotional Resilience: 11 Strategies To Build it
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 connection to something greater while fighting showcases our resilience, determination, and courage to challenge 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 yours.
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 prevent ‘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
What is the spiritual power of surrender?
The spiritual power of submission liberates us from the confinement of ego, fostering a deep connection with the divine. It facilitates an awakening to our inherent wisdom and interconnectedness, leading to transformational experiences. This submission fosters peace, contentment, resilience, and a profound sense of liberation.
Why is spirituality such a big part of some people’s lives while others completely dismiss it?
Spirituality is significant for many as it provides purpose, inner peace, and connection to a higher power or universe. It guides individuals through life’s ups and downs, offering solace in distress and joy in happiness.
However, some dismiss spirituality due to difficulties reconciling it with science or negativity regarding religion. Others find fulfillment through other means, like careers, family, or hobbies. The role of spirituality is deeply personal, shaped by unique beliefs and experiences. Respecting diverse perspectives is crucial.
