[Daily OM]: Most of us pride ourselves on our
self-sufficiency. We like to be responsible for taking care of ourselves
and pulling our own weight in the world. This is why it can be so
challenging when we find ourselves in a situation in which we have to
rely on someone else. This can happen as the result of an illness or an
injury, or even in the case of a positive change, such as the arrival of
a newborn. At times like these, it is essential that we let go of our
feeling that we should be able to do it all by ourselves and accept the
help of others.
The first step is accepting the situation fully as it is. Too often we
make things worse either by trying to do more than we should or by
lapsing into feelings of uselessness. In both cases we run the risk of
actually prolonging our dependency. In addition, we miss a valuable
opportunity to practice acceptance and humility. The ego resists what
is, so when we move into acceptance we move into the deeper realm of the
soul. In needing others and allowing them to help us, we experience the
full realization that we are not on our own in the world. While this
may bring up feelings of vulnerability, a deep feeling of gratitude may
also emerge as we open to the experience of being helped. This
realization can enable us to be wiser in our service of others when we
are called upon to help.
It takes wisdom and strength to surrender to our own helplessness and to
accept that we, just like every other human being, have limitations.
The gifts of surrender are numerous. We discover humility, gratitude,
and a deepening understanding of the human experience that enables us to
be that much more compassionate and surrendered in the world.