Some time long ago, I heard or read that the purpose of yoga was to learn to surrender.
I tried on that definition on for a while. The concept of surrender sounds good on paper, but I found the practice of it difficult, especially in relationship, the very place where it is best taught.
To me, surrender means being willing to give up being right and having your way. It means accepting things as they are even when you are resisting them with all your might. It means knowing the difference between capitulating and letting go.
I’m inspired by people who are forced to learn to surrender by fate, and who grow in their humanity by having to deal with tremendous difficulties. Think, for instance, of how the long incarceration of Nelson Mandela was the making of him. There are also those from everyday walks of life who willingly yield to their circumstances, like the long-term care givers of ageing spouses or parents.
How does a yogi practice surrender? Simply by placing yourself regularly on the mat or meditation cushion, rather than putting selfish interests or busy-ness ahead of practice. By considering others’ wants and needs as important as your own. By allowing situations to develop in their own way and not stepping in to control every detail.
Surrender is predicated on trust which is also the reward of surrendering. Going through life in a trusting manner means living in world which is safe, surrounded by people who are supportive, and leads to being free from fear.
Surrender is the path to what I now see as the goal of yoga: freedom.