Just Checking In: How I Learned to Surrender

Deepak Chopra said, “To surrender is to open yourself up to the divine flow.”

The thing about surrender is that it sounds so wise. So peaceful. Like floating down a lazy river, trusting the current to take you somewhere good. 

In reality? Sometimes surrender looks like me, face-down on a yoga mat, contemplating my life choices while trapped in an unnatural position.

I should back up.

Many years ago, I decided I was in need of a life change. Always a night owl, I decided to start getting up early, like crack-of-dawn early. And I decided I would start my day off with a glass of wheatgrass juice, some morning chanting, and some yoga. 

I decided I was going to be that person - the kind who starts the morning with deep breathing instead of scrolling through emails and stress-eating granola bars. A new era of balance and mindfulness for Marc! 

I rolled out my mat, put on my yoga video, and was feeling pretty proud of myself. “Look at me,” I thought. “I am centered. I am at peace. I am basically a wellness guru.” I decided to opt for the most challenging lesson, designed for advanced yoga practitioners. (For the record, I was not, and am not, an advanced yoga practitioner.)

Then the instructor on the video demonstrated the pose and said, “Just surrender into it.”

It sounded profound. It sounded simple. So, I did. Left foot here, right foot wrapped back…this way. Head down, back arched, elbow…goes…there! 

I committed. I let go. I surrendered into it!

And that’s how I ended up as a human pretzel - one leg somewhere behind my shoulder, the other pinned under me, head awkwardly pressed against my mat. I’d lost track of my left hand entirely. Something had obviously gone wrong here. 

I panicked a little. Was I stuck like this forever? Would I have to live the rest of my life in this position? 

As I wiggled and fought to untangle myself, I had an unexpected realization: 

Surrender isn’t about forcing yourself deeper into something uncomfortable - it’s about trusting that you’ll find your way through it.

I eventually managed to free myself (after a brief moment of existential crisis), but the lesson stuck with me. So often, we think surrender means giving up control entirely. Just throw yourself into something difficult because that’s what you must do if you’re serious about surrender. 

But that’s not really it. Even in surrender we must be mindful and aware. Because it’s an intentional choice to stop resisting what is and work with it instead of against it.

That applies to everything - relationships, work, personal growth, and yes, even yoga.

So if you’re feeling stuck today, take a breath. If you’re twisted up and uncomfortable, take heart! You won’t be in this position forever. Trust that you’ll find your way through and stay flexible - but also, maybe avoid advanced yoga poses unless you’re well prepared!

And before I go, what’s your take on surrender? What does it feel like to really work with what’s happening in your life and go with the flow? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

And that’s me, just checking in!

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