“Surrender is knowing that the trees cannot always be green. It is seeing the beauty in the colours of fall.”
Life is funny. The more we think we have figured it out, the more mysterious it becomes. We find so many doors closing, but parallelly, life opens windows too, with the tremendous view of the vista. One can also say life is a highly skilled magician- it can pull off unimaginable tricks. Happy tricks are adorable. But many are downright unfavourable and unpleasant.
When something unpleasant happens, it tests our inner strength and it is at that point, when we hit rock bottom, life calls for faith and surrender. As heavy as it sounds, surrendering is quite simple in reality. When we go to a doctor in sickness, we rest the diagnosis, medication, and further path of treatment to the doctor in charge, understanding that he will do his best. In a court of law, the lawyers of both parties put in their best effort in presenting their side of the argument to the judge. The final decision, however, lies in the hands of the judge. Indirectly, in both cases, we surrender to others having complete trust that they will do the best in their capacity, for us.
The unfolding of the coronavirus epidemic also taught us this invaluable lesson. From multinational organizations to a small shopkeeper- the external environment became highly unpredictable for everyone and yet, we all sustained with the hope that eventually, the world will become normal. And it did. It is usually only a matter of time, but all’s well that ends well.
Surrendering is predominantly understanding that there are events beyond our control and that we agree that the Supreme Power or God or Universe handle those elements for us. It is an underlying conviction that whatever happens, will happen for our best. Surrendering does not mean that no tragedy- big or small will ever befall us. We only need to cultivate the patience, the trust, and the right attitude to swim through rough patches.
Surrendering also does not mean we sit with our hands folded waiting for life to happen. On the contrary, it encompasses an unshakable foundation to accept what comes on the path of life- deep valleys or high peaks. This experience teaches us to appreciate the views of the peaks from the valley and the view from the pinnacle. The real beauty is in knowing- neither is permanent. This is also, in true essence, one of the learnings of the Bhagwad Geeta. Krishna says to do your best, simply do not have any expectation for the result- good or bad, positive, or negative. This deep philosophy also encourages us to become detached from any extreme reactions we usually tend to have.
Lastly, to surrender is not to make bargains with the Higher power or God. It is a way of life where we purify ourselves. It is to lead a life filled with love and humility because despite growing in muddy waters, the lotus surrenders to nature, blooms in its beautiful capacity, and eventually rests at the feet of the God we worship.
