I've been doing this for five years now, and it's a very interesting process. Generally, the things experienced and learned for a given word-concept are ongoing, that is, it's not like the moment the calender swings over, everything to do with that word-concept just stops. It's more like planting seeds, which grow into plants, which keep growing and blossoming and bearing fruit, although the focus changes to some new plant.
In our Western culture, SURRENDER has often been synonymous with LOSING. As in, poor you, you gave in, you gave up, you great big LOSER. Wars are created because the parties involved just couldn't let go, forgive, give in, release.
Surrendering is never seen as winning, in this way of looking at things. Non-resistance is seen as weakness, along with gentleness and passivity. The concepts of honour and saving face rule over all. People are more afraid of losing than of dying horribly and violently.
In 2013 instead of being caught up in what could be, what should be, or holding on to shouldas, couldas and wouldas, I'm simply going to attempt to surrender more to what is. An alternative word could have been acceptance, but acceptance is done superficially each and every day. To surrender seems more profound and purposeful, which is precisely why I need to do it more often.
"If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments"
~~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh
 |
| This photo was taken at Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, Sydney in 2008 and made into a Scrapblog. The artist Steinunn Thorarinsdottir from Iceland called the sculpture "Presence" |
8 comments:
I really like your positive take on this word Peggy, giving up control if you will, and just letting things be. Best wishes for the New Year!
This sounds like a great word to focus on in 2013. It does sound like letting go of what isn't and embracing what is. I like that.
I'm still coaxing my word out although I think it has announced its arrival. Just pondering a bit more.
Here's to a terrific 2013 for you, Peggy! Hugs,
Roban
I would think learning to surrender would be less stressful, too....
I haven't tried choosing a word focus for the New Year before....but, I'm excited for it to begin...I have a feeling it holds lots of fun new adventures and exciting "firsts".
Sending hugs across the ocean,
Cam
I think the word has many positive connotations. It makes me think of the 'Zen dog' cartoon with a dog in a boat: He knows not where he's going, for the ocean will decide – It's not the destination...it's the glory of the ride'
http://www.shinyshack.com/product.php?prid=212459
It's like he is surrendering to his journey - what will be will be.
Hope 2013 is a good one! x
Peggy, I will try to think of a word for this year. So far all I can think is that it should be edible...
♥
=)
I have a word for 2013 - happiness. I wish this to you, my dear friend, and to all your readers.
I just wanted to pop by and wish you the happiest new year. May your 2013 be full of blessings, laughter, and happy surprises. Thank you for being a blog friend and a joyful part of my life.
I don't have a word for 2013 but my wish is abundance in all areas. I wrote a post recently: "More, Please" because I need more $ to replace one of my part-time jobs so I can meet financial obligations. I'm trying not to worry. So - abundance. I do like the idea of surrender. Thanks, as always.
Post a Comment