What does full surrender mean in a practical, everyday sense?

What does “full surrender” really look like, feel like, and act like in a practical, everyday sense? Can you provide specific examples across different areas of life – like career, relationships, personal aspirations, and even dealing with difficult emotions or unexpected setbacks? I’m not looking for a vague, philosophical answer, but rather concrete, actionable insights into how someone embodies full surrender in their thoughts, words, and deeds. How does it differ from simply giving up or being passive? What are the potential benefits and pitfalls of adopting this mindset? Ultimately, how can someone cultivate a state of full surrender in their daily life?

Answer

Full surrender in a practical, everyday sense means releasing the need to control outcomes and accepting life as it unfolds, even when it’s uncomfortable or different from what you expected. It’s a continuous process of letting go of resistance to the present moment and trusting that everything is unfolding as it should, even if you don’t understand why. It doesn’t mean passivity or resignation, but rather a shift in perspective that allows you to respond to situations with greater clarity, flexibility, and peace.

Key Aspects of Full Surrender in Daily Life:

• Acceptance of the Present Moment: It involves acknowledging and accepting your current reality without judgment or resistance. This includes accepting your emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, circumstances, and other people as they are, without trying to change them in that moment. It’s not about liking everything, but about accepting what is. For example, instead of fighting feelings of anxiety before a presentation, you acknowledge, "I’m feeling anxious right now," and allow the feeling to be present without resistance.

• Letting Go of Control: It means relinquishing the illusion that you can control everything. This includes letting go of the need to predict the future, dictate other people’s behavior, or manipulate situations to fit your desires. You recognize that there are factors beyond your control and that trying to force things only leads to frustration and suffering. For example, letting go of the need for a project to be perfect and trusting that you’ve done your best.

• Trusting the Process: It entails trusting that life is unfolding in a meaningful way, even when you can’t see the bigger picture. This requires faith that there is a greater intelligence or order at work, even in the midst of chaos or uncertainty. This is a belief that even difficult experiences can serve a purpose or lead to growth. For example, trusting that a job loss might lead to a better opportunity, even though it’s painful in the present.

• Non-Resistance: It is about observing one’s own inner reactions to situations and choosing not to add fuel to the fire of negative emotions. It means observing your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. It is recognizing when you are resisting reality through worry, anger, or resentment, and consciously choosing to release that resistance. For instance, when stuck in traffic, choosing to accept the delay rather than becoming angry and stressed.

• Allowing Emotions to Flow: It means allowing yourself to feel the full range of human emotions without judgment or suppression. This includes acknowledging and processing difficult emotions like anger, sadness, fear, and grief. It’s about understanding that emotions are temporary and that suppressing them only prolongs their impact. This is demonstrated by allowing yourself to cry when you feel sad, instead of trying to bottle it up.

• Alignment with Inner Guidance: It involves tuning into your intuition and inner wisdom and allowing it to guide your decisions and actions. This requires quieting the mind and connecting with your inner self through practices like meditation, mindfulness, or spending time in nature. For example, instead of making a decision based solely on logic, considering what feels right and aligned with your values.

• Taking Inspired Action: It is not about being passive but about acting from a place of inner peace and alignment. It’s about taking action that feels authentic and meaningful, rather than driven by fear, ego, or external pressure. It is about doing what you can, when you can, and then releasing the outcome. For instance, applying for jobs with enthusiasm and hope, but not becoming discouraged by rejections.

• Non-Attachment to Outcomes: It means detaching yourself from specific outcomes and being open to unexpected possibilities. It’s about setting intentions and taking action, but then releasing your attachment to the results. This doesn’t mean you don’t care about what happens, but rather that you are willing to accept whatever unfolds, knowing that it may be for your highest good. For instance, giving your best effort on a presentation, but being at peace regardless of the audience’s reaction.

• Self-Compassion: It involves treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, especially when you are struggling or facing challenges. It’s about recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and that self-criticism only perpetuates suffering. For example, instead of beating yourself up for making a mistake, acknowledging it, learning from it, and moving on.

• Flexibility and Adaptability: It fosters the capacity to adjust to changing circumstances and unexpected events with grace and resilience. It means being willing to let go of your plans and expectations and to embrace new opportunities as they arise. This can be seen in adjusting to a change in work responsibilities without resentment.

In essence, full surrender is a moment-by-moment practice of releasing control, trusting the process, and embracing the present moment with openness and acceptance. It’s not a one-time event, but a continuous journey of letting go and allowing life to unfold as it will.

Pray This Prayer

O Gracious God, Source of all Life and Love, I come before you seeking understanding. I ask for clarity in discerning what it truly means to fully surrender to your will.

For in my heart, I desire to be wholly yours. Yet, the world tugs at me with its anxieties, its ambitions, and its fleeting pleasures. So, Lord, I yearn to know:

What does full surrender mean in a practical, everyday sense?

Does it mean relinquishing control of my schedule, trusting you to guide my day even when I feel overwhelmed? Help me to release the need to micromanage every detail, knowing you see the bigger picture.

Does it mean surrendering my fears and worries, those persistent whispers of doubt that paralyze me? Empower me to replace them with faith, trusting in your unwavering presence and provision.

Does it mean letting go of my own pride and ego, those subtle voices that tell me I need to prove myself? Grant me humility to accept my imperfections and rely on your grace to guide me through my weaknesses.

Does it mean surrendering my expectations of others, releasing the need for them to meet my desires? Teach me to love unconditionally, accepting them as you created them, trusting you to work in their lives.

Does it mean surrendering my attachment to material possessions, remembering that true wealth lies in your love and presence? Help me to be content with what I have and generous with what I can give.

Lord, show me in concrete ways how to live a life of full surrender. Illuminate my path with your light, guide my decisions with your wisdom, and fill my heart with your peace. Help me to trust you implicitly, knowing that your will for me is always good, always loving, and always leads to my ultimate fulfillment in you.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.