Thanks to Theresa Conti for today’s article.  For more of her inspiring articles, you can read her blog reconnecting2you.wordpress.com  Or contact her for individual coaching or counseling at www.reconnecting2you.com.

Sweet Surrender!

Have you ever had a dream, felt inspired, motivated, excited, and then wondered if you made “the right” decision?

This scenario has come up several times for me over the last few weeks as I prepare for a two-month trip to Europe later this month.  Inspiration strikes, excitement reigns, and then voila – doubt creeps in and all that verve flies right out the window – until, that is, I take a deep breath and surrender. Not always easy to do, let alone remember to do.

I have witnessed the same syndrome as I listen to friends, family, clients, teachers and colleagues – no one seems immune regardless of how intelligent, spiritual or evolved we (think we or they) may be. It’s the human conundrum.

We all want change – it’s what keeps us alive and growing, whether it’s a new job, a new class or ending a relationship that’s no longer working.  We have a vision, take steps to attain it, and then crank on the brakes just when things are starting to heat up!  Thoughts like “Don’t rock the boat,” “Things aren’t that bad,” “I really have it pretty good,” and “What was I thinking?” rattle round inside our brains, knocking our visions clear out of sight. Sound familiar?

The doubt and apprehension we feel are often nothing more than fear of the unknown. A loss of appearing control. The voice of the ego. The part of us that wants to keep things stable, predictable, and stick to the status quo. Why? Because it is familiar. Bah-humbug (wrong season, but you get the picture!) As I ponder my upcoming birthday, I no longer wish, nor can afford, to put my dreams on hold. I have too many to accomplish before I grow old and no longer have the energy or drive to realize them.

At such times, when fear and doubt arise and courage is nowhere to be found,  surrender is a welcome ally. When I am down on my knees, obsessing over some minor detail, it is a sure-fire sign that fear has taken hold. When I remember to relax and take refuge in my Higher Power, I realize that I have been trying to “do it” alone. Hmmmmm… Not always the most helpful or wisest course of action.

Call on the Angel of Surrender

Thank God there is an easier way! Time to get the flag out and call on the Angel of Surrender.

Should there be something in your life you are obsessing or distressed about,  here is a wonderful exercise to help you let go. I use the name “God,” but you can use whatever name you choose. I like to do it aloud, as I find it much more powerful, but it can also be done silently.

Exercise in Surrender

1.  Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Be aware of the rise and fall of your stomach as you breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.

2.  Then repeat either aloud or silently:

“I surrender everything to you, God.”

“I surrender all of my hopes and dreams to you, God.” (Then repeat the sentence, naming each hope or desire until you have exhausted your list. Example: “I surrender all of my hopes and dreams to travel throughout the world as an instrument of your peace to you God.”)

“I surrender all of my relationships to you, God.” (Again, state each relationship by name. For example, I surrender all my relationship with____ to you God.”)

Repeat this process with each situation or mindset in which you experience distress. Work, finances, living situation, emotions, other people, etc. are all par for the course. This is a very powerful and transformative tool; one which I use personally, as well as in my coaching practice. I would love to hear how it works for you, should you decide to try it.

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Deepen Your Body of Knowledge

Deeper reading recommended by Theresa: Creative Mind and Success