Surrendering is an important aspect of life that involves releasing control to allow things to happen. In general, surrender can be defined as giving up resistance and letting go of control. It is a process of accepting what cannot be changed and moving forward without force. Surrender can take different forms, such as physical or emotional surrender. Physical surrender involves relaxation and letting go of tension in the body while emotional surrender involves acceptance and letting go of fear and anxiety.
When one surrenders, it means they are open to possibilities and willing to let go of expectations. Open surrender allows for creativity, growth, and new experiences. On the other hand, self-erasure can be seen as the opposite of surrender. It is when one suppresses their desires, wants, needs, and feelings in order to meet others' expectations or fit into society's norms. Self-erasure often leads to depression, resentment, and anger.
To distinguish between surrender as openness and surrender as self-erasure, one must understand how each type affects their mental state. With open surrender, one feels calm, confident, and empowered because they trust themselves enough to make decisions without fear. They feel free from societal pressures and able to live authentically.
With self-erasure, one may feel anxious, depressed, and powerless due to constantly trying to please others. This can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking alcohol, drugs, or eating disorders.
Surrender should be done consciously and with awareness. One must know why they are surrendering and what they hope to gain from it. If surrender is used as a way to avoid responsibilities or escape problems, then it becomes self-destructive. Surrender should not be used as an excuse to give up on life but rather as a tool to move forward positively. By understanding the difference between open surrender and self-erasure, one can take control of their lives and live happily and authentically.
How does one distinguish between surrender as openness and surrender as self-erasure?
Surrender is often seen as an act of giving up control or power, but it can also be seen as an act of openness and acceptance. The difference between these two types of surrender lies in the intent behind them. In surrendering to something or someone, we may either choose to relinquish our agency over ourselves or we may do so out of fear, resignation, or weakness.