I really love Lao Tzu’s analogies involving water as a very descriptive illustration of how in the battle between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins – not through strength but by perseverance. How do we tap into this source of strength?
“The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.” – Lao Tzu
“In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.” – Lao Tzu
“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” – Lao Tzu
“Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness.” – Lao Tzu
How do we harness this gentleness that is so obviously saturated with relentless power?
Lao Tzu answers this question quite clearly:
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” – Lao Tzu
“Have patience. Wait until the mud settles and the water is clear. Remain unmoving until right action arises by itself.” – Lao Tzu
It really is not a secret, but this is still so misunderstood that it almost seems true to say, “the secret”, is surrender.
Surrender means to stop splashing in your pond, take a step back and just breathe.
Surrender means to first just observe, just watch until the water settles and clarity appears.
Surrender is not an attempt to escape but the firm decision to stand in front of the truth in clarity, just as it is.
Surrender comes with the willingness to take action on clarity when it becomes visible.
Surrender means nothing if it doesn’t include being surrendered to what needs to get done.
Surrender is not giving up, but releasing the need to control, softening the urge to resist. Surrender is not passivity. It’s actively observing, waiting for clarity to emerge, like sediment settling at the bottom of a muddy pond. It’s the courage to face truth, however uncomfortable, and the commitment to take action based on that newfound understanding.
Here are a few mantras for embracing this paradoxical power:
- Surrender is not weakness; it’s wisdom. Let go of resistance and find your flow.
- Observe before you act. Clarity emerges from stillness, not frantic splashing.
- Embrace your softness. It’s not a lack of strength, but a hidden reservoir of power.
- Soft, and also strong.
We can learn to live in a gentler way, and find ourselves surprised that this journey turns us into the strongest version of ourselves that we’ve ever been!
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Surrender.