Sweet Surrender
by John J. Schalter
“Something amazing happens when we surrender and just love. We melt into another world,
a realm of power already within us. The world changes when we change; the world softens
when we soften. The world loves us when we choose to love the world.”
—Marianne Williamson
Dear John,
Chinese Handcuffs
I’m totally confused with the concept of surrender.
How can I meet all of life’s challenges if I give up?
Isn’t this a sign of weakness? What gives?
Nancy G.
“Always say ‘yes’ to the present moment. What could be
more futile, more insane, than to create inner resistance
to what already is? What could be more insane than
to oppose life itself, which is now and always now?
Surrender to what is. Say ‘yes’ to life — and see how life
suddenly starts working for you rather than against you.”
—Eckhart Tolle
Dear Nancy,
I am so grateful to you for asking this question. It is possibly
the most important power tool we can have in our tool
box we use to create a wonderful life. No, it does not
mean “giving in or giving up.” That is far from it. It is a
realignment of energies and a redistribution of power.
“Too much attention on problems kills our faith in possibilities.”
- Price Pritchett
The reason it is confusing is because surrender seems
counterintuitive or even “headed in the opposite direction.”
And yes, it is an advanced way of thinking and yet very easy
to do. In his quantum leap program, Price Pritchett calls it
“tapping in to unseen forces.”
The power of surrender is most clearly demonstrated in AA and
other Twelve-Step Programs. Here, the participants are usually
at a point where they have tried everything else to control their
addictions and have failed. They let go of their ego and open
up to other possibilities. It is usually a moment of “let go and let
God.” In storytelling or screenwriting, it often occurs after what
is called, “the dark night of the soul.” All seems lost. However,
the “end of the rope” is really the beginning of a new life.
When I was growing up, carnivals used to have something called
“Chinese Handcuffs” that they would offer as a novelty prize.
It is a simple piece of tubing weaved from bamboo. The more
you pulled to escape from the device, the more it tightened
around your fingers and held you in hand cuffs. However, if you
let go of the struggle and panic, and gently pushed inward, the
bamboo immediately loosened and you could slide your fingers
out with effort. It is the frantic pulling that kept you in prison.
30 | Eydis Magazine
My point in all of this is as follows: surrender has incredible
power. Many times in life, “what you resist persists.” Letting
go and letting God opens you to the incredible power of spirit,
community, and the unseen forces of life. Oddly enough, my
Golden Retreiver, Bella, uses this as her most powerful weapon.
When she sees a stranger approaching, she refuses to growl or
bite. She immediately rolls on her back to the submissive position.
And nine times out of ten, she gets a soothing belly rub in return.
However, don’t take my word for it. Try it yourself. Give it to
God. Surrender to what is. Say “yes” to the present moment.
Maybe life will give you a soothing belly rub too!
And as we all step into the ever present challenges in our lives,
let us remember, “We are all too blessed to be stressed.” See you in
the next publication.
Peace and Blessings,
John
P.S. Try our free, fifty-five-minute coaching session that will create
a clear picture of what you want in your life, possible obstacles
getting in the way, and (by the end of the call) ignite you with
outrageous passion, power and purpose. Call 586-997-HELP (4357)
John is a Life Coach, a practicing attorney (35 years)
and a professional screenwriter. He is also a musician,
songwriter and artist. He does private coaching and
limits his client number to 20. If you would like to discuss
coaching and/or get on the waiting list call him at 586997-HELP (4357). The first consultation is always free.