I’ve been thinking of the idea of surrender lately—surrender as a way to tap into deeper layers of creativity, but also surrender as an approach to life.
I enjoyed this meditation on softening and opening to allow ideas into our brains and souls without trying to wrangle them into something “purposeful” or “useful” immediately. I’m going to read it again, slowly. Happy Monday to you.
Grant, you said, "Surrender is a form of trust." This is the key to working with an enlightened master. You have to trust/surrender to him. Many consider that to be surrender in the negative sense, giving someone power over you. Actually, you are giving yourself the power.
Years ago, I went out with a wonderful woman who was very picky about rules.
Going for a walk through town.
"Take your wallet out of your back pocket. It ruins the line of your jeans."
We used to argue a lot. Then, one day, I thought, what about surrender? I'll experiment with agreeing to everything she says. And I did for months.
What I learned was none of those things mattered. It wasn't really important whether I wore my shirt in or out, whether I left my tip as cash or put it on the credit card, or whether we took the bus or a cab.
To this day, I rarely disagree with anyone unless it is an intellectual discussion/dialogue. I often think, "We'd be better doing X," but I rarely say it.
Haha, yeah, I've practiced surrendering in a similar sense. Giving up on the small conflicts, etc., and just letting things go (it's always for the best), and then save arguments for bigger issues (and even then trying to surrender, just be receptive, not win ... when I'm at my best).
Love this “meandering” post. I’ve been writing about life in liminal spaces, and it’s often about surrender, which is really another word for acceptance. Or part of the process of acceptance? I love the idea of deciding to just listen in a conversation. Also- is that Eno quote from an interview? Interested in checking that out.
I love this idea of surrender so much, I had to share it! It appears I have become a Grant Faulkner Fan Girl. Or, maybe Fan Granny is more appropriate. I hope you get more subscribers. Your words truly are golden. I shared an excerpt on my blog: https://thewritespot.us/marlenecullenblog/surrender-for-inspiration/
I consider myself a planner. I plan and outline, but I still have to surrender to the process! It hurts so much. But I have to trust that it works. My writing sucks when I try to control and force it down on the page. Funnily, I don’t feel like it’s me writing when I relax and let the story happen by itself. Where did that come from? Not me! Lol
I loved this post! And I'm jealous that you did that train ride - I've always wanted to do exactly that route. I lived in SF for many years, but I grew up in southern Iowa and recently moved back. Osceola would be my closest station if I ever decide to ride the rails.
I hope the trip was as inspiring as it sounds - and not as delayed as I've heard Amtrak sometimes can be!
Good stories look for contours and follow gravity.....Brilliant
Well damn. Sign me up for more of this. So very well penned and articulated.
"The stream only knew to keep flowing." Just beautiful.
I wonder what further surrender would look like in my life. This essay is so Sufi and I love it. Bookmarked for sure.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad the piece resonated. I hope surrendering guides you to good places.
I enjoyed this meditation on softening and opening to allow ideas into our brains and souls without trying to wrangle them into something “purposeful” or “useful” immediately. I’m going to read it again, slowly. Happy Monday to you.
Thanks so much, Shelley. I'm glad it resonated.
Grant, you said, "Surrender is a form of trust." This is the key to working with an enlightened master. You have to trust/surrender to him. Many consider that to be surrender in the negative sense, giving someone power over you. Actually, you are giving yourself the power.
Years ago, I went out with a wonderful woman who was very picky about rules.
Going for a walk through town.
"Take your wallet out of your back pocket. It ruins the line of your jeans."
We used to argue a lot. Then, one day, I thought, what about surrender? I'll experiment with agreeing to everything she says. And I did for months.
What I learned was none of those things mattered. It wasn't really important whether I wore my shirt in or out, whether I left my tip as cash or put it on the credit card, or whether we took the bus or a cab.
To this day, I rarely disagree with anyone unless it is an intellectual discussion/dialogue. I often think, "We'd be better doing X," but I rarely say it.
Removes a lot of negativity from my world.
Haha, yeah, I've practiced surrendering in a similar sense. Giving up on the small conflicts, etc., and just letting things go (it's always for the best), and then save arguments for bigger issues (and even then trying to surrender, just be receptive, not win ... when I'm at my best).
Love this “meandering” post. I’ve been writing about life in liminal spaces, and it’s often about surrender, which is really another word for acceptance. Or part of the process of acceptance? I love the idea of deciding to just listen in a conversation. Also- is that Eno quote from an interview? Interested in checking that out.
I think surrendering is a stage in acceptance. And ... I can't remember where I read that Eno quote. I love it.
I love this idea of surrender so much, I had to share it! It appears I have become a Grant Faulkner Fan Girl. Or, maybe Fan Granny is more appropriate. I hope you get more subscribers. Your words truly are golden. I shared an excerpt on my blog: https://thewritespot.us/marlenecullenblog/surrender-for-inspiration/
Thanks so much, Marlene! I appreciate your kind words, your encouragement, and your sharing!
Gene Davis says..Let the paint run^^
I consider myself a planner. I plan and outline, but I still have to surrender to the process! It hurts so much. But I have to trust that it works. My writing sucks when I try to control and force it down on the page. Funnily, I don’t feel like it’s me writing when I relax and let the story happen by itself. Where did that come from? Not me! Lol
Perhaps there are two "you's" working at the same time: the planner you and the surrendering to story you?
Kinda sounds like Pantser philosophy. I dig it.
Wonder what story ideas came to you during your 48 hour train ride through a variety of terrain and past people’s backyards.
Oh my, so many stories! I couldn't stop my pen at some points ...
Bravo to you for this meditation on “Let go…which often evokes the spirit of let’s go!”
Thanks, Diana! You're right ... the two phrases go together well.
I'm between novels, too. I hate it! So this was very helpful. Thanks!
Happy in-betweening! Should there be a specific word for this creative state?
I loved this post! And I'm jealous that you did that train ride - I've always wanted to do exactly that route. I lived in SF for many years, but I grew up in southern Iowa and recently moved back. Osceola would be my closest station if I ever decide to ride the rails.
I hope the trip was as inspiring as it sounds - and not as delayed as I've heard Amtrak sometimes can be!