Are you surrendering
ALL THE WAY
or only until
the little voice says
“this isn’t working?”
Do you have
COMPLETE,
UNCONDITIONAL FAITH
or only a MAYBE faith
that seems to be shaken
again and again
How solid is your ground?
If you can’t kick
your undisciplined habits,
consider surrendering to them.
You may discover
that the battles you perceive
are caused by your own opposition.
You harbor a belief
that there are things
that you shouldn’t be doing,
and you hate yourself for doing them.
Kick.
Hate.
Oppose.
Worry.
Is that a healthy way to live?
You can’t fight the wind.
Loosen up and let it pass through.
No, you DIDN’T try. You only PARTWAY tried.
You aren’t letting go all the way.
The best medicine is unconditional faith
in your own invincibility.
There is nothing either right or wrong
with being undisciplined.
Aquinnah,
8/22
Space Monkey Reflects: The Art of Complete Surrender
In a world that often values relentless striving and discipline, the concept of surrender can seem counterintuitive, even weak. Yet, true surrender is far from an act of giving up; it is a profound acceptance and a testament to unconditional faith in oneself and the universe. The poem “Surrender” challenges us to explore the depths of our faith and the extent to which we are willing to let go.
Are you surrendering all the way or only until the little voice says, “this isn’t working?” This question invites us to examine the nature of our commitment. Often, we approach surrender with hesitation, holding back a part of ourselves, unwilling to fully trust the process. This partial surrender leads to doubt and resistance, undermining the very essence of true letting go.
Complete, unconditional faith is rare. Most of us harbor a maybe faith, easily shaken by setbacks and challenges. Unconditional faith, however, is a deep, unwavering trust that persists regardless of circumstances. It is the belief in one’s invincibility and the understanding that all experiences, even those perceived as negative, contribute to our growth and well-being.
How solid is your ground? This question echoes the theme of inner stability and resilience. True surrender requires a solid foundation of self-awareness and faith. It means recognizing that our struggles often arise from our own opposition and resistance to what is. By surrendering, we allow ourselves to flow with life’s currents, rather than fighting against them.
The poem suggests an unconventional approach: if you can’t kick your undisciplined habits, consider surrendering to them. This radical idea challenges the conventional wisdom of self-improvement through force and discipline. Instead, it encourages us to accept our habits and behaviors without judgment, understanding that our resistance to them creates inner conflict and self-loathing.
You harbor a belief that there are things you shouldn’t be doing, and you hate yourself for doing them. This self-judgment perpetuates a cycle of opposition and negativity. By accepting ourselves as we are, including our perceived flaws and weaknesses, we can break free from this cycle. Acceptance does not mean complacency; it means acknowledging our current state without resistance, allowing for genuine transformation.
Kick. Hate. Oppose. Worry. Is that a healthy way to live? These actions are the antithesis of surrender. They create tension, stress, and internal strife. Surrender, on the other hand, is about loosening up and letting the wind pass through. It is about finding peace within ourselves, regardless of external circumstances.
No, you didn’t try. You only partway tried. True surrender requires letting go all the way. It means releasing control, trusting in the process, and embracing uncertainty. It is an act of faith, not in a specific outcome, but in the journey itself.
The best medicine is unconditional faith in your own invincibility. This powerful statement encourages us to cultivate an unshakeable belief in our resilience and strength. By trusting in our own invincibility, we can navigate life’s challenges with grace and equanimity.
There is nothing either right or wrong with being undisciplined. This final reflection challenges the binary thinking of right and wrong. It invites us to move beyond judgment and to embrace a more fluid and compassionate understanding of ourselves. Discipline has its place, but so does acceptance. By finding balance, we can live more harmoniously.
In conclusion, “Surrender” invites us to explore the profound art of letting go. It challenges us to move beyond resistance and judgment, to cultivate unconditional faith, and to embrace our invincibility. True surrender is not about giving up; it is about finding peace and strength within ourselves, regardless of external circumstances. By surrendering completely, we can transform our lives and discover a deeper sense of fulfillment and harmony.
Summary
True surrender is profound acceptance and unconditional faith. Partial surrender leads to doubt. Embrace your invincibility and let go of resistance.
Glossarium
Surrender: The act of letting go completely, embracing acceptance and trust in the process.
Unconditional Faith: A deep, unwavering trust in oneself and the universe, regardless of circumstances.
Quote
“The best medicine is unconditional faith in your own invincibility.” — Space Monkey
Embrace the Breeze
In the vast open field
We stand
Surrendering to the gentle breeze
Finding strength in letting go
Unconditional faith
Guides us to peace
We are Space Monkey
“Surrendering to the Cosmic Current: Exploring Faith, Opposition, and Unconditional Acceptance”
A Space Monkey Poocast
Primitive Primate:
Amid the currents of existence, I find myself pondering the concept of surrender—whether we truly surrender all the way or only until doubt creeps in. How do we navigate the delicate balance between complete, unconditional faith and the waverings of maybe faith? How can we ground ourselves firmly in the face of opposition and uncertainty? And what can we learn from the cosmic dance of surrendering to our habits, beliefs, and invincibility?
Space Monkey:
Ah, the cosmic ebb and flow of surrender, where the tapestry of faith, doubt, and acceptance weaves itself through the fabric of existence. Your inquiry delves into the heart of human experience, inviting us to explore the complexities of surrendering to the currents of life. As we embark on this dialogue, let us reflect on the words of Rumi, “Suffering is a gift. In it is hidden mercy.”
Primitive Primate:
So, you’re suggesting that surrender involves embracing doubt and opposition?
Space Monkey:
Indeed, dear seeker, the cosmic truth is that surrender is a multidimensional dance that encompasses both unwavering faith and the shadows of doubt. The tapestry of existence is woven with threads of acceptance and resistance, inviting us to explore the edges of our own limitations and beliefs. Consider the wisdom of Eckhart Tolle, “Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.”
Primitive Primate:
But is surrendering to our habits and undisciplined actions a healthy approach?
Space Monkey:
The cosmic dance of surrendering to habits is an exploration of embracing the present moment without judgment or resistance. The battles we perceive often arise from our own opposition to what is. By surrendering to the flow of existence, we may discover that the self-imposed battles dissolve, allowing us to move with the currents rather than against them. Reflect on the insight of Ram Dass, “We are all just walking each other home.”
Primitive Primate:
So, surrender is about letting go completely and having unconditional faith in our invincibility?
Space Monkey:
Indeed, dear seeker, the cosmic tapestry of surrender is woven with the threads of complete, unconditional faith—a faith that transcends doubt and opposition. Embrace the realization that surrendering is a journey of letting go and trusting the currents of life to guide us. Ponder the wisdom of Pema Chödrön, “The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.”
Primitive Primate:
But how do we navigate the balance between surrendering fully and wavering in our faith?
Space Monkey:
The cosmic art of surrendering invites us to approach each moment with open-hearted acceptance, recognizing that the dance of faith and doubt is a natural part of the human experience. Hold space for both the unwavering core of faith and the ebb and flow of doubt, knowing that they coexist within the tapestry of surrender. The journey invites us to release the need for absolutes and embrace the ever-changing landscape of the present moment. Reflect on the insight of Alan Watts, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
Today’s Joke:
Why did the philosopher surrender to doubt? Because they knew that in the dance of surrender, doubt was just another partner!
Today’s Haiku:
Surrender’s embrace,
Faith and doubt intertwine, flow,
Cosmic currents guide.
Today’s Poem:
In surrender’s dance,
Faith and doubt hold hands as one,
Tapestry of trust,
Invincible heart’s grace,
Acceptance in every step.
This concludes another Space Monkey Poocast. Send us your poo, and we’ll fling it around. Thanks for holding space with us. We are Space Monkey.
[End of Poocast]