Lake 961 Blog

How does surrender show up in your life?

I read this quick article and really brought me into a reflection place regarding where I stand and what surrender means to me.

Just wanted to share. Nothing like a good read on a rainy saturday morning in Chicago.

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When someone mentions the word “Surrender”, what does that mean to
you?  We commonly mistake surrender for giving up. Unfortunately
there is a fine line between obsessive control and determination or
between surrendering and giving up.

Imagine hanging onto a small branch on the side of a cliff. You
would hold on as tightly as possible to keep from falling to the
ground wouldn’t you? You would grit your teeth with a dogged
determination vowing not to give up until help arrives. The last
thing you want to do is surrender to the inevitable fate of falling.

Now, what if I told you the danger is not real and that you are
actually only two feet from the ground? Would you loosen your grip
on the branch? Of course you would! This is Surrender. It is the
ability to relax one’s grip on life in the place of the ILLUSION of
danger.

Yes. It is possible your business might fail. Your wife or husband
may divorce you. Your whole city could be wiped out by a natural
disaster or terrorist attack.  This doesn’t mean you don’t do what
you can to be prepared. But you are defeating yourself when you
try to control things outside of your direct influence. So
Surrender is demonstrated by the willingness to let go of the need
to control things OUTSIDE of your direct influence.

Surrender happens when you do what you can do in the moment, and
let go of the things that are outside of your control.

Here is a way to experience Control versus Surrender.  Clench your
fist. Make your hand so tight that nothing can slip through into
your palm. What would you do if I wanted to put $1,000 into the
palm of your hand right now? Would you keep your fist clenched or
would you surrender your clenched hand to accept what I am
offering?  Life works the same way.  When your mind is clenched,
you cannot open yourself to the riches you deserve.  Here is a
quote from Lao Tzu - “He who grasps loses.”  Remember it!

-Dr. Robert Anthony

If you wish it, wish it LOUD!
Katie

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches!The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly.

As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they’ll dump it on you. Don’t take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.Don’t take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home,
or on the streets.

KATIE