In the last month's Practical Spirituality session, one participant asked this:&nbsp;"Arjun, I have been studying psychology and spirituality, but they seem to take me in the opposite direction. One speaks about enhancing my ego while the other speaks about letting go of my ego. How do I navigate this polarity?"&nbsp;&nbsp;I love this question. This polarity is what often challenges us from putting old-age spiritual wisdom into practice.&nbsp;For instance, we all know chasing desires won't bring lasting joy, yet we find ourselves in a cycle. The cycle goes like this:&nbsp;<ul><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">We are not as happy as we would like to be&nbsp;</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">We believe something or someone out there can make us happier&nbsp;</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">We pursue something or someone&nbsp;</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">We get something or someone&nbsp;</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">We feel momentarily happier</li></ul>&nbsp;Our happiness fades and we return to the start, and the cycle continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;Why do we continue on this cycle despite knowing it is not going to lead to sustainable joy and freedom?&nbsp;That's because we don't know any other practical solution. The other alternative we know is to surrender our expectations, which doesn't sound as tangible, appealing and practical. Hence, most people continue pursuing their momentary joy.&nbsp;But a few are keen to choose surrender. Yet, surrender seems tricky. A client once said, "Arjun I have been working hard for a promotion, but at times I worry if I am getting too attached to it and drifting away from my spiritual progress. This doubt in my mind is not letting me focus on either."&nbsp;This, I believe is a fear most people encounter on their path to surrender.&nbsp;I would say, the ideal thing is to let go of all desires - trust the universe and surrender. However, if that is not possible, then the second best thing is to be authentic about your desires rather than hiding or suppressing them.&nbsp;A question you might have is, "How will I outgrow my desires if I continue pursuing them?"&nbsp;I would say, you would not progress any further by suppressing or hiding your desires. Once, you are authentic about it and accept it, we could look at the possibilities of moving forward rather than getting stuck in doubt, guilt and self-criticism.&nbsp;Think of desires as painkillers. They might have side effects and aren't a sustainable solution, but if you can't bear the pain, it's wise to take them. Similarly, if you can't avoid pursuing desires, don't resist. Acknowledge, pursue, and use the comfort to explore a deeper solution.&nbsp;Many take a painkiller (pursue a desire), feel relief, and forget the deeper issue (outgrowing desires). The key is not to forget the longer healing journey amid the temporary relief.&nbsp;I hope this gives some clarity and direction to you in your pursuit of surrender.&nbsp;I have started a community named - The Pursuit of Surrender to support people on their journey towards lasting joy and freedom.&nbsp;It is a space for those who understand that freedom and fulfillment stem from surrender, not from control.&nbsp;Despite the knowledge, the journey towards surrender often brings up doubts, confusion, and fears.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our aim in the community is to help each other navigate through these challenges and grow beyond them.&nbsp;I'll be sharing wisdom from various masters that resonate with the theme of surrender and also some impromptu reflections, Q&amp;A, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will also have a monthly meet-up named Practical Spirituality to explore the practical relevance and applications of this age-old wisdom.&nbsp;If it resonates with you, I would love your presence in the group as well as our monthly sessions. You may join via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://click.pstmrk.it/3s/chat.whatsapp.com%2FEwotk9Qhtu5AeeHufuyTn4/Nzu8/GNCzAQ/AQ/04e4d190-6423-45fe-8c18-78beb461d56f/1/tjBFfEozAy">this link</a>. Wishing you a journey filled with clarity and growth.&nbsp;With love,Arjun

I have started a community named - The Pursuit of Surrender to support people on their journey towards lasting joy and freedom.

 

It is a space for those who understand that freedom and fulfillment stem from surrender, not from control.

The Pursuit of Surrender: Navigating Joy Beyond Desires

One participant asked, "Arjun, how do I reconcile psychology's push to enhance the ego with spirituality's call to let go of it?"

Learn how to grow and scale your online course business using our online course platform. EzyCourse blog is designed to teach you how to create and sell online courses.

The Pursuit of Surrender: Navigating Joy Beyond Desires

The Pursuit of Surrender: Navigating Joy Beyond Desires

Related Posts