Our brain has a clear purpose. It has highly complex functions that allow us to maintain some form of control over our lives and over our ability to make decisions. We desperately need these elements of control and restraint in order to make ‘good’ decisions. Without these functions, our day-to-day would end up totally structureless and would most likely lack any clear orientation. Simple, menial tasks would transform into those which would require high levels of focus, resulting in long completion times (and inevitable frustration). Getting through the day would simply be chaotic as we would not have the ability to make decisions. On the other hand, perhaps this consequence would lead us to a new realm of enjoyment and exploration, without feeling like we have an end task or goal that needs to be reached. We might even enjoy the journey.
Surrendering to a lack of control could in fact lead us down a more freeing, playful avenue. Why is control deemed as a positive force if it encourages us to be more rigid and exist in such a linear manner? Whilst, in our fast paced, highly adaptive society, having control is deemed as favourable. If one has control in their possession, they are more likely to be respected as they achieve more socially acceptable goals. They may be able to predict their coming future, based on the way they’ve structured their base. Life might feel tidy and the element of pleasant surprise is removed. However, along with that, any unpredictable pleasant surprise, dies.
Surrendering to a lack of control could invite openness to live in your life. It could create a habitat for open energy, encouraging your shoulders to come down from your ears, your ass cheeks to unclench and your jaw to relax – giving the muscles their job back. ‘Giving in’ can feel lighter and create space for a perspective which deems all paths as possibilities for opportunity, rather than ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. At the end of each path, lies a lesson to be learnt. Whilst upon the path, the structureless existence which you go by, might feel regretful as you beg structure and predictability back into your life. However, this is usually when something magical begins to manifest and everything aligns. All you need to do in aiding this transition is to surrender the control, give in and know that it is not failing, it is mastering.