STRENGTH IN SURRENDER

Isvara Pranidhana is one of yogas niyamas (positive observances) that we practice to cultivate more healthy living, a positive outlook and a liberated state of existence. Isvara translates as “supreme being”, “ultimate reality”, “true self” or dare I say “God”. Pranidhana is to “dedicate”, “devote” or “surrender”. Thus, a dedication or devotion to our genuine self or God.. In Western terms we often find the word “surrender” or “letting go” as a more neat and clean translation for Isvara Pranidhana. And in Western terms this act of “surrender” has certainly become quite cliche in spiritual dialogue.

Surrender doesn’t seem to invoke much courage, strength or power on the surface. However, in yoga tradition surrender is not giving up. Surrender is not weak or passive. Surrender is not throwing up our arms and raising the white flag. Surrender is not allowing something outside ourselves to determine our condition. What this niyama teaches us is to be driven by our intention and focus, to take actions that we hold with the highest integrity, to align with our best. Then, and only then do we surrender any expectations or attachments we might have; the best we can and the best we know how.

Isvara Pranidhana is perhaps the most courageous act we can practice. When we can fully integrate our thoughts, deeds and actions through mindful and attentive living, and in that, let go of the small stuff, we begin to shed what limits us. Doors open that were otherwise closed, synchronicity abounds, and we find our way with less resistance and more freedom. We’ve all had glimpses at one time or another: doing our work only for the joy of doing the work, practicing a pose for years and finding it when least expected, committing to a relationship and discovering deeper, wonderful layers to it, teaching a child over and over and when we least expect it, they get it. Whatever shape or situation, we realize that it is courage and strength that generates our most profound surrender.