Mirth and Motivation

“Always say ‘yes’ to the present moment… Surrender to what is. Say ‘yes’ to life – and see how life starts suddenly to start working for you rather than against you.” Eckhart Tolle

Motivation Mondays: SURRENDER

The creative process is a process of surrender, not control. Julia Cameron
If we show people that fear isn’t actually the place that we have to surrender to, fear isn’t actually the thing that we have to answer to, but instead, it’s going in and loving people. Lauren Daigle
At fifteen life had taught me undeniably that surrender, in its place, was as honorable as resistance, especially if one had no choice. Maya Angelou

What is Surrender? True surrender is not merely giving up, it is a powerful process built on trust, love and perseverance that begins within. Our life, our existence is built on a foundation of surrender. Every day, we wake up, perform our actions, carry on our daily obligations without much thought about the energetic force that moves us forward throughout the day. We simply trust that all our faculties will function and meet us at the door of our experiences and … they do. We have surrendered to the process and that keeps us from endless worries. While choosing quotes for this post, I made sure to not pick any that spoke to the basic definition of surrender – to give in/up/over/on. Why? Because it is also an experience that shifts the spirit and can help us unpack the limits we place on ourselves … to surrender is to set ourselves free from limiting viewpoints and that is the focus of this post. The fictional story I share here on the subject was written by me in 2016.  It is called – Surrender At The Door Within. I wrote and posted it on this blog as part of my response to a WordPress Prompt/Discover Challenge: The Story Behind a Door. I am adding it here with some minor changes. It is a contemplative story set in a village in West Africa. COME BACK FOR MORE!

A STORY – SURRENDER AT THE DOOR WITHIN by E. Obih-Frank
In an ancient village, many moons ago, the Elders held a bi-annual ritual that was considered both sacred and secret. Only men and women of great valor were invited to attend the Ceremony of the Nine Doors. Twice a year, members of the village would brace themselves for the news that came from the village crier at cock’s crow. The news was an invitation to specific members to join the procession of Elders who took that journey to the King’s palace for their initiation into the Order of the Ceremony of the Nine Doors. How did the selection process take place? Why were some men/women of valor chosen while others were cast aside as if their acts of courage were an embarrassment to the community? In the quiet of the night, as families huddled around the communal fire, roasting crickets and yams, the Elders whispered among themselves about this great ceremony that measured a member’s true dedication to the village.

For many years, Uzo, a local girl wise beyond her age, observed the comings and goings of the Elders. She longed to learn the secrets of the ceremony and particularly of the selection process. Her grandfather was a member of the Order but her father, who was a skilled hunter and coco yam farmer, hadn’t made the cut. Why? Why not? Whenever she ventured to ask the question at family gatherings in the Obi, her father would scold her for meddling in adult conversations.
“But Papa, you are a man of great valor and I don’t know why they won’t pick you!” She said to her father, one chilly Harmattan night as the family huddled together by the bonfire as the logs crackled sending smoke and sparkling ember into the air.

“It is not your place to query the decision of the Elders.” he scolded her gently. His voice softened a bit when his second wife repeated the same statement with anguish in her voice.
Grandpa cleared his throat and, for the first time in many years, weighed in. “It is not that your father is lacking in honorable qualities my child…” He paused and then continued, “You see, one must first serve without expectation of reward, and then, one must hold an intention that blesses and inspires the community.” Continued Below

“If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Motivation Mondays: SURRENDER

Growth demands a temporary surrender of security. Gail Sheehy
The decision to kiss for the first time is the most crucial in any love story. It changes the relationship of two people much more strongly than even the final surrender; because this kiss already has within it that surrender. Emil Ludwig

A STORY – SURRENDER AT THE DOOR WITHIN by E. Obih-Frank

Uzo’s eyes lit up. Grandpa had never spoken about the Order before, and this bit of information puzzled her. Even her own father looked surprised. He was about to comment when he was silenced by the gentle touch of his first wife, Nne, Uzo’s mother.
“How can one serve without expectation …? Even during the harvest we look to reap the seeds we sowed.” Uzo said a tad loudly. Her boldness was always a sour point with her mother but, her grandfather admired that quality in her.
“Yes, my child … we do. However, we must let the seeds germinate as we tend to other demands around us. When we surrender our expectation of a bountiful harvest and participate in community activities that uplift others, our harvest will still bear fruit.” said Grandpa in a strong, persuasive voice.

“My Papa has done all those things so, why hasn’t he been chosen? Why does he have to be disgraced each season when the announcements go out? How long must he wait?” Uzo persisted.
Uzo’s Grandpa and father smiled. Her mother, Nne, on the other hand, reached over to silence her seemingly petulant child.
“No, Nne, let her speak. She is a wise child and her questions are lessons to add to the stirring pot of life.” Grandpa admonished his daughter-in-law, and she sat back and let Uzo be. He continued his teachings for the gathering of family members and neighbors who showed up to listen and learn, as they sat around the bonfire on that cold, autumn night.

“My child, in our village, we follow the teachings of the nine virtues: Courage, Truth, Honor, Fidelity, Discipline, Hospitality, Self Reliance, Industriousness, and Perseverance. Each virtue has many parts and as a man/woman explores and expresses an understanding of each one, the village observer notes their progress through the Griots who then pass the name on to the other Elders in the Order. Once the first eight are mastered, the test to master the ninth virtue begins…. Without perseverance, even the most talented will falter and fall. But Perseverance alone is not enough because many fall victim to the voice of doubt that creeps in after many moons of waiting, hoping and longing…”

“If there is something more to learn beyond perseverance, what would it be, Grandpa?” Uzo interrupted her Grandpa excitedly. Finally, she thought, an answer to the secret would be divulged tonight and she’d be able to put her curiosity to bed and help her Papa join the village Elders for the next procession. Even her Papa was pleased as he often wondered too, but held his opinions close to his chest. Continued Below

The details for Motivation Mondays are below. Join in! The themes for AUG 2018/SEPT 2018 are:

AUGUST

08/01   –  Girlfriend Day
08/06   –  Friendship Day, World Indigenous People Day,
08/13  –   International Youth Day
08/20  –   World Humanitarian Day, MTV Music Awards
08/27   –  National Dog Day

SEPT

09/01   –  03 Labor Day, 5 International Charity Day,  8 International Literacy Day
09/09   –  9 Rosh Hashana, 10 Suicide Prevention Day, 11 Patriot Day,
09/16  –  17 Emmy Awards, 19 Yom Kippur, 21 International Day of Peace,  22 Fall, 22 Oktoberfest
09/23   –  23 Padre Pio Day, 24 – 30 Sukkot,  27 World Tourism Day
09/30 –    30 Sukkot Ends

Are You Looking for Ways to Stay Creative in 2018?

– Check out the Daily Post for Inspiration. Resources. Idea
Checkout Your Daily Word Prompts
— Check out SheKnows for  SheKnows Living

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