I read once that if you want to make God laugh, make plans. The old Yiddish saying “Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht” is similar. It means “Man plans, and God laughs.” We have so many mechanisms for trying to control our lives. Yet, all are fruitless and lead us away from the magic of surrender. Surrendering is letting go of our perceived control and letting our life flow. Are you ready to let go of the illusion of control?

Some things are simply not within our control. When we continuously aim to be in control, we can feel great anxiety. Deep down, we have an awareness that controlling isn’t truly possible. We’re even aware of the anxiety it causes us. It causes stress to not trust the flow of our lives. It actually impedes the flow of our lives. It is so freeing to let go of the reins, to trust in something Higher as your guide.

Keep in mind, the Universe doesn’t generally show you the whole picture all at once. It shows you about as far as your headlights can reach while driving on a dark country road. Then it shows you the next stretch and the next. Not being able to see all the way forward is where the magic of surrender comes into play. This takes both courage and trust. You need to trust that you are being guided by something much higher and grander than your humanness. Remember that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Trust in the spiritual guidance that is patiently waiting for you to tune in.

When you do receive the nudge from your Higher Self, take action. Even if it seemingly makes no sense, trust the intuition you received. You will be then continue to be guided. Surrender to your inner knowing. This is the magic of learning to surrender.

It’s important to remember that surrendering isn’t about giving up and letting go completely. It’s about flowing with the current of the river and paddling like hell to follow where it takes you. In essence, surrendering is trusting in Divine wisdom and waiting for those clues before taking action. Do the work it takes to receive the universal nudges, what one of my dear friends refers to as “God winks.”

Throughout my life I have said the “Lord’s Prayer” thousands of times, never stopping to consider the meaning of “Thy will be done.” Surrendering is freedom. It is knowing that life will work out, right on time, just as it’s supposed to. We will receive guidance if we remain open to it. The Soul waits a long time for its turn to be heard. In surrendering, something greater than you is working through you.

To surrender is to trust a higher power with the direction of your life. Surrendering embodies the saying, “Let go. Let God.” It is giving Divine force the reins and allowing it to guide you each step of the journey. It includes staying receptive to the inner guidance, waiting for clues, and then taking action in the direction you are being guided. The true meaning of surrendering is in the following mantra: “God, what would you have me do? Thy will be done.”