Just be. Ever heard someone say that to you? Or, surrender to what is. Heard that one? If you’re like many people, your response might be, why? 

These two actions might seem pretty woo-woo or impractical. You might think, aren’t I already being? Why in the world would I want to surrender? 

Here’s my take: To be and surrender are two prerequisites to experience freedom. Freedom to create, freedom to choose, freedom to be your authentic self, which supports you in all areas of your life, including your ability to lead and speak with presence.

Try this: Close your eyes. Take in a deep breath, then exhale slowly. Do this again. And once more. Notice how quiet you become. Then, take any thoughts or worries you might have about completing your to-do list, or having a difficult conversation, or coming up with your next blog topic (yup!), and imagine breathing them out so they literally dissolve into the space in front of you. They are no longer in your mind. This is surrender. You are letting go. Notice how you feel. Lighter? Less worried? More at peace? From this place, you are free to be. Free to create. Free to allow your intuitive mind to bring forth new and wonderful possibilities.

Be plus surrender equals freedom.

The biggest challenge? Being willing to pause and do this. Our survival brain and all that conditioned thinking will try to prevent us from even taking a moment to get present. Once you start, though, you won’t go back. It’s just too darn good.

So next time you’re mired in what seems an impossible task, or just for grins, take a moment to be and surrender. See what you experience. I bet you’ll find the freedom to create, to choose, and to be your authentic self! And that’s the good stuff!