Trying to maintain control in this life is a bit like trying to maintain control on a roller coaster. The ride is going to go its own way, regardless of how tightly you grip the bar. There is a thrill and a power in simply surrendering to the ride and fully feeling the ups and downs of it, letting the curves take you rather than fighting them. When you fight the ride, resisting what’s happening at every turn, your whole being becomes tense, and anxiety is your close companion. When you go with the ride, accepting what you cannot control, freedom and joy will inevitably arise.
It is not always easy to let go, even of the things we know we can’t control. Most of us feel a great discomfort when we realize we have no control over what happens. Sometimes this awareness comes only when we have a stark reminder, and all our attempts to be in control fail. We can cultivate awareness in ourselves gently, by simply making surrender a daily practice. At the end of our meditation, we can say, “I surrender to this life.” This simple mantra can be repeated throughout the day when we find ourselves gripping the safety bar of our own roller coaster.
We can give in to our fear and anxiety, or we can surrender to this great mystery with courage. When people ride a roller coaster, some have their faces tight with fear, and others smile broadly, with their hands in the air, riding on a wave of freedom and joy. This powerful image reminds us that often the only control we have is choosing how we are going to respond to the ride.
