Surrender Is Not a Dirty Word
Westerners often think of surrender as a dirty word. It’s no wonder, since the idea of surrender has so many negative connotation in American culture and is synonymous with defeat, failure and giving-up your power. Standard English dictionary definitions of the word surrender reinforce this idea by describing it as something done “by demand” and “under duress.”
Thankfully, yoga philosophy offers a more positive version of what it can mean to surrender. It is that of trusting in, and being of service to, something much greater than yourself.
The Light and The Shadow
Those raised in the US are enculturated to believe that having a good life is all about being independence, self-reliant and in control of our your destiny/future. The positive aspects to this cultural perspective is that it helps us to see the opportunities we have to work hard and be our best, achieving great things in life. We are a nation with a strong sense of self-determination, innovation and freedom.
There is also a shadow side to this line of thinking. It ignores our interdependence with one another and our environment. The fact is that relying on others is a natural and important part of being in a community. Blind independence and self-determination put the desires of the individual above the needs of the group and the needs of the planet we depend on for our survival, eroding everyone’s health.
In a yoga class one might hear the word surrender used the most during the final relaxation pose. The whole practice has been leading to this moment where there is an energetic openness and receptivity to letting go our hold on the small self (ego) and allowing ourselves to be guided by our higher self or a higher power (God/Goddess). This is the time of the greatest possible transformation.
Ready to surrender more? Try this meditation on letting go of the ego: https://www.sierralaurelyoga.com/audio-meditations
What Does It Mean to Surrender?
Out of all the Yamas (external disciplines) and Niyamas (internal disciplines) of the Ashtanga yoga philosophy, the final one is Ishvara Pranidhana, translated as devotion to Source or the inner master. It is also translated as devotion to a higher power/God/The Divine and surrender of small self to the higher self. The Yamas and Niyamas teach that through action and discipline we will build heat (tapas). Through observation and paying attention (svadyaya) we change what needs to be changed within ourselves. What cannot be changed we surrender to God. These are the actions taken to realize Yoga.
Ishvara Pranidhana is the final Niyama, because it takes working with all the other teachings to create the inner stability and understanding needed to be willing and able to trust in the universe to guide you. It is an acceptance of what is, not what we think should be or shouldn’t be happening.
It is giving over control, or more precisely, realizing that we were never in control of most of what happens in life beyond our own thoughts and attitudes. It is realizing that there have always been powers greater than ourselves shaping our lives. It is the willingness to align with those powers. It is serving something greater than yourself.
Put It Into Action
Consider what are you devoted to. Breaking out your journal is a good idea for helping clarify your thoughts. Write about how are you serving the world and helping others. Let your inner-teacher guide you so that every action you take is an offering to the greater good.