"Solomon!  In my meditation classes, we often discuss the idea of surrender.  Some have perceived that this means giving up.  I know that this is far from the truth as I understand it.  Would you please share some insight on this important subject?"

     "Among the most important bricks in the foundation of personal peace is that of surrender.  In the metaphysical sense, surrender means, accepting things as they are and acknowledging their right to exist, for now.  This does not mean giving up or playing the roll of the victim.  It means simply to simply recognize its existence.  In doing this, It becomes more likely you will find the tools to overcome if that is what, in your heart of hearts, to do.

     Genuine acceptance magnifies free will and enough freedom of thought to find and apply ways to change and grow into something stronger and more enlightened.  It is the fast track that leads directly into the present which is the dwelling place of light, consciousness, truth and love.

     The more surrender is understood and put to use, the more consciousness is able to infuse itself into awareness.  Surrendering to the weather, for example, is not resisting it or ignoring its affects.  Surrendering to it gives license to find and implement ways doing something about it in a more conscious way.  By using the principle of surrender, circumstances can be used to support enlightenment and progress in a much more appropriate way.

     Applying the principle of surrender supports living in the present.  Living in the present is the very essence of accepting things as they are for now.  Adding these two words to our definition, brings significantly more meaning to surrendering.  It also offers an element of hope to the entire process.

     Putting to use the principle of surrender does not guarantee living without difficulties.  It does, however, tend to broaden perspectives and enhances a greater sense of purpose in dealing with challenges that inevitably come to everyone.  All though many circumstances can bring great pain, surrender will make those times shorter in duration and much less severs.

     One of the greatest challenges to surrender is that of ego.  It is programmed exclusively for survival and self gratification.  It is simply, the mind in all its aspects and levels.  When any use of the mind is involved, the ego is involved, for better or worse.  It is also absolutely necessary to your growth and ultimate peace.

     If ego is left unrestricted, it can and will erode self respect.  It will lull a person into a false sense of security, or fear, and will ulitmately lead to certain destruction.  Take a moment and observe the over-all condition of this planet and those living on it.  Polarities are growing further and further apart.  The best of the best and the worst of the worst is being experienced more and more in all walks of life and in every culture.  This should enough evidence to illustrate that ego is running unchecked with most of the population.

     Of course, it is also true that there are many who are awakening and are acknowledging the light.  It is these people who are beginning to apply the laws of surrender.  There are others who will awaken soon and this offers a great element of hope for the purification and ultimate peace of that is still possible for the world.

     Ego and consciousness should be partners, ego the junior and conscious awareness the senior.  It (ego) must be encouraged to function only within the bounds of wisdom and enlightened judgment.*  Any kind of thinking involves the mind whether conscious or subconscious  On the other hand, consciousness transcends the mind and reveals itself as pure light, love, truth and all things that purely reflect the infinite.  (More on this subject will be shared at a later time.)

     Acknowledging ego without condemming it is a very appropriate use of conscious awareness (enlightened judgment).  Surrender is the key in taking charge of ego and guiding its direction to genuine peace and fulfillment.  Accepting the ego as it is for now (surrender) means to acknowledge it and being willing to lovingly observe it without a sense of judgment or condemnation.  Lovingly observing the ego infuses with a degree of light.  The surrender and loving observing, the more light is infused and the more consciousness awareness surfaces.  Ultimately the conscious part of awareness will have grown to the point where ego will not die, but will transmute itself to perfect, clear light.

     Becoming light, love, truth and peace is the great potential of all human beings.  the only thing standing in the way of becoming these things is the unbridled ego.  Without the principle of surrender, the ego may point one in an enlightened direction, but will never allow the goal to be reached.

     Remember, to surrender is to accept things as they are and  acknowledge their right to exist for now.  continue the journey with instant forgiveness and gratitude in all things.  Surrender to what is within and around you and you will soon become the love, light and truth that has always been, is now and will forever be within you."

     "Thank you so much for this insight, it helps a lot!"

Solomon

*  enlightened judgment:  conscious awareness