The practice of surrender

I talk a lot about surrender and its importance during pregnancy, birthing, and especially postpartum. Parenting is all about surrender! There may be things that you want to do or things that need to be done, but our little ones have a way of derailing us and sending us in a different direction. And if we're not in the mindset to be able to adapt and shift gears, it can cause us a lot of stress! There is no better teacher than our child on how to be fully present and to live for the moment we are in. Just watch a child absorbed in their play, their imaginations in full swing, and you will see exactly what I mean.

For me, this is where my Yoga practice and training really comes into focus. Being able to fully relax, breathe, and to let go of any expectations or outcomes, accepting the moment for what it is and finding the beauty that lies within. 

It's not always easy and I don't always get it perfect. That's why it's called a practice! We are continually being presented with challenges that allow us to step into this practice. Taking each moment as it comes and choosing to be present with it. With love.

Surrendering doesn't just apply to parenthood either, it can be applied to all aspects of our lives.

When we push back against whatever is happening in our lives, whether in our minds or our bodies, we create unnecessary stress and tension that does nothing to alleviate the situation. It in fact makes it worse.

Surrendering does not mean giving up or giving in. It is a gentle acceptance of what is. A noticing. An awareness. A letting go of any attachment to a certain outcome.

If we can do this, there can be a beautiful unfolding, revelations can be had, and new ways of being discovered. 

With our current global situation we are being given ample opportunity to practice surrender.

This is the perfect time to slow down, become aware of our breath, move our bodies in gentle ways, and to meditate.

We may not have control over what is happening in our communities, our countries, or the world at large, but we do have control over our thoughts, our words, and our actions.

What are you doing today to find a place of calm and stillness within yourself?

Maybe it is staying off of social media and not watching the news. Stepping outside and taking a few deep breaths in and out of the nose with your eyes closed. Relaxing your shoulders and your jaw. Smiling. Turning your face up to the sunshine and absorbing its warmth and energy. Thinking of something you are grateful for and stating it out loud. Practicing Yoga (especially restorative). 

The more we can all practice this, the more it will create a ripple effect around us. To our families, our friends, our communities, cities, countries, and ultimately, out into the world.

As Mahatma Gandhi so simply stated, "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."

​xox

---

Affirmation cards by Renegade Mama