Oh, lady, lend your hand outright
And let me rest here at your side
"Have faith and trust in peace", she said
And filled my heart with life
- Uriah Heep
Surrender. In our modern society, this word may be misconstrued as a sign of weakness, reserved for the defeated and the losers. However, today, I want to shed light on the profound strength found in surrender, the responsibility it carries, and the transformative impact it can have on our lives.
I was raised in a society that prized the ability to stand up for oneself, a quality deemed fundamental. We were taught to defend ourselves against external threats, as if the world were inherently aggressive, demanding us to be in a constant state of readiness, armed with our competitive abilities to thrive.
The battle, though, extends beyond physical threats. It unfolds on various fronts: asserting our right to be ourselves with our parents, defending our point of view against teachers, or even competing with friends on a football field. As we grow, this need to fight and prove ourselves to the world becomes ingrained within us. Yet, at a certain point, a shift occurs in our consciousness, compelling us to invent enemies. However, the most arduous and exhausting war is the one we wage against ourselves.
Now, let's ponder on a crucial question: How strong must we be to defeat ourselves? How much self-destruction should suffice before we embark on peaceful negotiations within? This inquiry inevitably leads us to the essence of this essay - the concept of "surrender."
Everything we perceive as shortcomings or weaknesses is an integral part of who we are. Let's reflect on coping with ourselves without resorting to destructive battles and a constant fight for survival. We may try to outsmart ourselves, seek compromises, or even flee from our own being, but such actions often stem from the fear of losing.
Imagine embracing love as the primary and only weapon in our internal battles. Suddenly, we find ourselves disarmed, and the one right decision becomes clear - surrender. Surrendering to ourselves means accepting our true selves, free from self-mockery, and filled with self-love. It's an epiphany that moves us to tears, overflowing with love and compassion for ourselves.
No aspect of our being deserves violence, especially from within. Instead, any perceived shortcomings can be healed with love, care, and attention. This philosophy forms the cornerstone of Unhabit's ethos - urging us to focus on ourselves, nurturing self-love above all else.
In future articles, I will delve deeper into this magical way of living: surrender. We'll explore how surrendering can apply not only to ourselves but also to our loved ones and life itself. But for now, let us love ourselves with utmost responsibility, knowing that this is the most potent cure for all that ails us.
With love and gratitude, Nik ❤️
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