The Dance of Surrender: Letting Go and Living Fearlessly
For many of my clients the last few months have been filled with unexpected shifts, changes, challenges, and opportunities. The interesting thing is that in all situations dynamic choices were at play. The support I was offering had to do with teaching the client to do what I call a “dance of surrender.” That means, accepting what is, being willing to let go of any need to control, and moving forward fearlessly. It is easy for me to share this process with clients because I have walked through so many moments of choice that forced me to surrender or suffer. I don’t believe we are here to suffer, so I would always look for a way to gently move into a place of peace and non-attachment.
I view this process as a dance with life. I love to dance and took a lot of dance classes when I was younger. Learning new ways to express in dance can take courage, resilience, creativity, willingness, and vulnerability. I believe the same is true in life. So, this month I want to share the “dance of surrender” with you.
Dance of Life and Resiliency
Dancing with life is like a graceful improvisation, where you move in sync with its rhythm and flow. It’s about embracing the spontaneity and unpredictability, finding harmony amid chaos. You navigate through challenges with resilience, turning stumbling blocks into steppingstones. Each moment becomes a chance to express yourself authentically, to connect with others, and to savor the beauty of existence. You stay present, grounded in the now, letting go of the past and releasing worries about the future. With an open heart and a flexible spirit, you dance through life’s ups and downs, celebrating its joys and learning from its lessons. You trust in your inner wisdom, following the path that resonates with your soul. And above all, you cherish the dance itself, finding joy in every step, every twist, and every turn along the way.
Derek Hough is one of my favorite dancers of all time. I have followed him for years. Every time he comes to Denver we attend. The last one we saw was the Symphony of Dance tour. We left feeling so joyful. A short time later Derek shared that his beautiful wife, a fabulous dancer, on the tour had experienced a medical emergency. Derek shared on Instagram that she needed skull surgery and asked us all to hold her in our hearts and prayers. He stayed by her side as she underwent emergency surgery due to a burst blood vessel. This is what he said recently, “It was a time filled with uncertainty and fear, going from living our dreams onstage, to a nightmare in an instant. Her recovery process has been nothing short of a miracle.” Four months later she is back on the tour doing what she loves. It is clear to me that this amazing couple surrendered to the dance of this experience and kept moving forward with optimism and extraordinary love and faith.
Fearless living
Elegantly surrendering is about gracefully releasing your grip on control and embracing the flow of life. It’s like gracefully letting go of a delicate feather and allowing it to be carried by the wind. You surrender with a sense of acceptance and trust, knowing that there is wisdom in letting things unfold naturally. It’s about surrendering the need to always have all the answers, and instead, surrendering to the uncertainty and the mystery of life. You soften your resistance and open yourself up to the beauty of surrender, allowing yourself to be carried by the currents of grace and surrendering to the greater wisdom of the universe.
Living life fearlessly means stepping boldly into the unknown, embracing uncertainty with courage and conviction. It’s about facing your fears head-on, recognizing them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. You cultivate a mindset of resilience, viewing setbacks as steppingstones on your journey rather than reasons to retreat.
My brother had some serious medical issues come up in the last month. There were moments that were scary, and we had no idea of next steps. There was a lot of prayer, showing up vulnerably, and trusting that the medical system would support skillfully. It was very uncomfortable, and I lost a lot of sleep. During it all, I asked the universe for peace and an inner quietude that could support me in being fully present AND trusting my brother’s path. He is better today but has a way to go to healthy living. The gift for me is that I can stay in my center, be lovingly present, and trust his journey.
By leaning into discomfort and pushing beyond your comfort zone, you discover your inner strength and unleash your full potential. You trust in yourself and in the universe, knowing that you have the power to overcome any challenge that comes your way. With a fearless heart and a determined spirit, you seize each moment and live life to the fullest, unencumbered by doubt or hesitation.
The Process of The Dance of Surrender
Dancing with life is about flowing with its rhythm, embracing its ups and downs, and finding harmony amidst chaos. Here’s how you can dance with life:
- Stay Present – Focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Engage fully in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s work, play, or simply being with loved ones.
- Be Flexible – Just like in dance, flexibility is key. Be open to change and adapt to the twists and turns that life throws your way.
- Cultivate Gratitude – Gratitude can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Appreciate the beauty in them.
- Listen To Your Inner Voice – Trust your intuition and listen to your inner voice. It will guide you towards the path that aligns with your true self.
- Practice Self Care – Take care of your body, mind, and soul. Prioritize self-care activities that nourish and rejuvenate you, whether it’s meditation, exercise, or simply taking a moment to breathe deeply.
- Face Your Fears – Fear is just energy. It only has power when you give it your attention. When you don’t run you can face the doubts/fears and make conscious decisions.
- Learn From Every Experience – Instead of seeing challenges as obstacles, view them as opportunities for growth and learning.
You can’t control everything that happens in life, but you can manage how you deal with the experience of living. By dancing with life in this way, you can experience greater joy, fulfillment, and peace amidst the ever-changing rhythms of existence.
I stand with you as you move through this thing called life. If you need support, reach out to me at cynthia@cynthiajames.net
Love and Light,
Cynthia
