The power of surrender
In a recent yoga class, my instructor approached me and said, "You need to soften and surrender to the pose, don't hold so tightly, don’t force it, allow it.” We were in the midst of Warrior II, a pose known for its strength and power, embodying the essence of a warrior.
The teacher's advice to soften and surrender within such a powerful pose intrigued me. What does it mean to soften? Doesn't surrender equate to weakness? I thought I needed to be stronger, more warrior-like, to succeed in life. I didn’t believe I had time to surrender, which I associated with weakness and meekness.
Redefining the warrior: What is the spiritual meaning of surrender?
When I delved into the true nature of a warrior, I found various definitions. A warrior is often seen as someone who sacrifices themselves for the greater good, a brave or experienced soldier or fighter. On one end of the spectrum, a warrior's qualities include courage, strength, discipline, aggressiveness, honour, and hard work. On the other end, qualities like love, integrity, patience, and truth are equally important.
Exploring the deeper spiritual meaning of Warrior II, I discovered that the pose symbolises a balance between past and future. The front hand reaches forward, representing the future, while the back hand extends behind, representing the past. The head and body remain centred, emphasising the importance of being present. Spiritually, surrendering means giving in to the Ego, and trusting.
Why is surrendering so powerful?
Following my yoga teacher’s advice to surrender into the pose, rather than rigidly holding it with all my might, something remarkable occurred. It felt as if the pose began to hold itself. By releasing my intense effort, I found strength from within, allowing me to rest in the power of the position. This subtle shift created a profound change. When I gave up on the notion of forcing or me being in control, and instead allowed myself to yield to the pose, it became effortless and I felt supported and at ease.
Similarly, in a recent Yin Yoga class, where poses are held for extended periods to target deeper muscle layers and fascia, I noticed that even in this gentle practice, I was pushing and holding tightly. Recalling the concept of surrender, I allowed myself to rest into the pose rather than force it. This led to a significant transformation, not only physically but mentally. After holding the pose for five minutes, my mind was clearer, I experienced a profound sense of inner peace and had entered into a deeply meditative state.
Surrender: What sound meditation can do for the brain
Much like the practice of surrender in yoga, sound therapy aids in releasing tension and fostering inner peace and flow. Instruments such as singing bowls and tuning forks emit frequencies that resonate with your body, promoting relaxation and healing.
This practice can have profound effects on the brain, facilitating a state of surrender and deep relaxation. Research indicates that sound meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels and promoting the release of endorphins and serotonin, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. These changes contribute to a calmer mind and an improved mood, enhancing overall mental well-being.
Additionally, sound meditation has been shown to alter brainwave activity, shifting the brain from a beta state (associated with active thinking and problem-solving) to an alpha or theta state, which are linked to relaxation and meditative states. This transition can help individuals achieve a sense of mental clarity and inner peace, allowing them to let go of control and embrace a state of surrender. The rhythmic and harmonious sounds used in these meditations can synchronise brainwave patterns, promoting coherence and balance within the brain. This not only aids in reducing mental clutter but also enhances cognitive function and emotional resilience, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and mindfulness and less force or control.
By embracing a receptive approach, sound therapy can deepen your experience of surrender, offering a holistic path to well-being.
What are the benefits of surrendering?
Balancing past and future in the present: How can we apply the concept of balancing past and future in our present lives? Just like in Warrior II, where the hands reach both forward and backward while the body remains centred, we can strive to remain present, acknowledging our past and future without losing focus on the now.
Surrender in life: Where in our lives can we soften rather than tighten? Whether it’s in our relationships, careers, or personal goals, embracing softness can lead to greater inner peace and clarity.
Finding strength in surrender
The lesson of surrendering, learned through yoga, extends beyond the mat. It challenges the notion that strength only comes from rigidity and force. True strength can also arise from softness, surrender, patience, and presence. By surrendering, we can find a deeper, more sustainable and effortless power within ourselves, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
So, where do you need to surrender more in your life? Reflect on this question and allow yourself the grace to find strength in the softness.
If you’d like to experience a private or book a group sound therapy session you can email us with any questions or book here.
If you enjoyed reading this article leave a comment below. The more we share our collective experiences the more we help each other grow and heal.
************
This article was written by Nicole Sultana, she holds a Post Graduate Degree in Spiritual Care, is a Certified Therapeutic Sound Practitioner and a Death Doula. She is the founder of Sound Consciousness, a company who provides wellbeing strategies and therapeutic sound practices to help you reach peak levels of performance whether you are trying to excel in your career, be the best partner you can be, or trying to create the life of your dreams.
Comentarios