3 Simple Phrases, 1 Renewed Outlook

"Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be."

These three phrases are simple in nature, but complex in what they actually ask of us.

Surrender to What Is

Surrender... the word conjures images of opposing forces... One who is victorious, one who concedes, and one white flag being waived in despair. Surrender is not always an acceptance of defeat, giving up, or giving in, but it is acceptance, nonetheless. When we think of surrendering to honesty, to authenticity, or to love, a positive image arises; an embrace between friends, a misunderstanding that is resolved, a kiss between lovers. Surrender is like forgiveness - it is necessary for inner peace. And make no mistake, it is for no one but you.

This phrase asks us to, first, drop any past similar experiences that influence our vision. Then drop all preconceived notions and expectations of what the outcome will be. When we are completely grounded in the present, the past (rumination) and the future (anxiety) fall away. The past cannot be changed, we have no control over the future, the present moment and What Is is all that truly exists.

When was the last time you completely surrendered to the truth? Not your version of it, not what you see through the lens of your experiences - the true nature of a situation or of a person - What Is.

Let Go of What Was

A common theme for not letting go is the fear of forgetting. Letting Go never means forgetting. By Letting Go, one is acknowledging what has happened, not forgetting it.

Before cell phones, we used to pass notes to each other in school. My best friend has a literal catalog of every note she ever received. She keeps them all because she doesn't want to forget. They are a physical reminder of friendships, crushes, boyfriends, disagreements, break-ups.... all the things. I used to think it would benefit her to let go of all of those pieces of paper because they were trapping her in the past. I've come to understand that holding on to the physical notes has allowed her to let go of those experiences and circumstances. She can revisit them at any time, but, most importantly, they are all on paper and not in her every thought.

Journal, as a verb, means to record daily events or write down private thoughts and feelings. Journaling is basically writing notes to yourself. If you journal then you, too, have a literal catalog of events that you can revisit when you need or want to. And, you will be able to let those things go. If you don't already journal, as my Dad says, "There's nothin' to it but to do it".

The next step is to apply the first phrase and Surrender to the past as it was - good, bad, or indifferent. Understand that the lesson is of the utmost importance, not the circumstances that taught the lesson. Let the circumstances go and focus on what was gained.

Was the Past a romantic relationship gone awry?

What did it teach you about your resilience and strength?

Was the Past the death of a loved one?

How can you live today and every day forward to honor them?

Was the Past an emotionally unavailable parent?

How can you break the generational trauma with your child(ren)?

"Never mind what's left behind and don't look back." ~William Apostol, Aaron Allen

Have Faith in What Will Be

Faith is trusting the true nature of things as they are, or in something greater than ourselves, or that everything will be ok. Faith, to me, is also assuming the best of intentions in others, in mySelf, and in God, the Universe, Source, Spirit ("Guss", for short).

We cannot know with 100% certainty what will happen or what will not happen. Yet, humans have an innate desire to control the present and future outcomes. In order to experience Faith, we must surrender to things as they are and let go of how we feel a situation should play out or be resolved. What is important is that everything works out as it should for the betterment of our Oneness. Trusting in that is the very foundation of Faith.

What blocks your trust that the outcome will be what is best, even if the outcome is uncomfortable?

What would change if I told you that Guss has your back, even if you do not have faith in them? Guss has boundless, unconditional love for and infinite faith in you.

Dream. Create. Be.

Be Love.

Namaste,

Chris