Dear Meli,
In my years of spiritual studies, I’ve noticed two different contradicting ideas. Some spiritual teachers say that I’m supposed to surrender to Spirit and let It take care of everything. Other spiritual teachers say that I’m in charge of my own destiny, and I need to affirm what I want and let Spirit bring it to me. I can see the value of both of these ideas, but I often get confused about which one to follow. What do you say about all this?
Confused and Conflicted
Dear Confused,
Ah, yes! I have found this very question to be a rich and rewarding spiritual journey!
Not to add to your confusion, but I think both surrender and affirmation are important.
I personally belong to the School of the Spiritual 1-2 Punch. (Yes, I just made that up.)
I practice co-creating my reality by:
1. Visualizing desired outcomes for different areas of my life. As I do this, I leave LOTS of room for The All to fill in details. I go for the emotional experience I want to have. Usually this boils down to wanting to be blown away by how awesome that area of my life has become. Then…
2. I surrender it to Spirit. The vision, the feelings, the creation of it…and all the details. Part of this step is understanding that whatever unfolds IS the answered “prayer”/creation process.
What about when what manifests looks completely unlike what I was wanting? Ah…that’s when I get to hang in there and continue holding to the vision and feelings, knowing that the creation is still unfolding.
And if, in the long run, my desire is not what unfolds, I trust that Spirit knows best what is for my highest good. My soul is on its own growth journey. I can’t always know what is best for the evolution of my being.
But I can practice faith.
I can practice the art of understanding that whatever transpires is for my greatest good. In trusting this, I am encouraged to look for the good, and find it, even when it’s not immediately evident.
The dance is to follow which of these is called for in each moment. Personally, I make the co-creation process – the part of the practice where I visualize and hold the emotions I want to have – as a regular practice I do most every morning and evening. I am also doing my best to tap into this process throughout my day as well.
And then I surrender it to The All.
Enjoy the dance!
Blessings and Love to you in all you do!
In Joy,
Melissa
What is your experience with surrender? Share your comments below!
Have a question for Meli? Interested in a private session (in person or Skype)? Contact her at meli@ohmygodlife.com
Precisely the dilemma I face while being a student in A Course in Miracles while taking the Prosperity Plus course. You reconciled the paradox well. I find spiritual thinking almost always paradoxical, which I saw explained once as “truth standing on its head to get our attention.” I’m reminded of two spiritual axioms: 1) treat (the mind) and move the feet; and 2) There are only three answers to prayer: Yes; Not Now; and Something Better.
Thank you SO much, Chris! I agree that spiritual Truths usually need to be held in a “both and” mindset. Which so often, then, spins me off into the deliciousness of the divine. I also LOVE that “truth standing on its head to get our attention!” Perfect! Thank you so much for your comment. I welcome more of this richness! 🙂
This is so well said, Melissa! I think a lot of us have wondered how to ride that line, because both sides of the “argument” are so compelling. Some of us are more interested in manifesting, and some are more drawn to surrender. But I am in both camps, so I really appreciate your integrative stance. Thank you!!
Thank YOU, Jill! I used to struggle with the two sides…thinking I needed to choose one. LOL I, too, find it MUCH more beautiful and fun to dance with both sides. I SO enjoy the process and experience of manifesting. And I find that surrender into the divine to be the very best thing ever. So very grateful to not have to choose! 🙂