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Trying to maintain control in this life
is a bit like trying to maintain control on a roller coaster. The ride is
going to go its own way, regardless of how tightly you grip the bar.
There is a thrill and a power in simply surrendering to the ride and fully
feeling the ups and downs of it, letting the curves take you rather than
fighting them. When you fight the ride, resisting what’s happening at
every turn, your whole being becomes tense, and anxiety is your close
companion. When you go with the ride, accepting what you cannot control,
freedom and joy will inevitably arise.
It is not always easy to let go, even
of the things we know we can’t control. Most of us feel a great
discomfort when we realize we have no control over what happens.
Sometimes this awareness comes only when we have a stark reminder, and
all our attempts to be in control fail. We can cultivate awareness in
ourselves gently, by simply making surrender a daily practice. At the end
of our meditation, we can say, “I surrender to this life.” This simple
mantra can be repeated throughout the day when we find ourselves gripping
the safety bar of our own roller coaster.
We can give in to our fear and anxiety,
or we can surrender to this great mystery with courage. When people ride
a roller coaster, some have their faces tight with fear, and others smile
broadly, with their hands in the air, riding on a wave of freedom and
joy. This powerful image reminds us that often the only control we have
is choosing how we are going to respond to the ride.
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