Chapter 6: Surrender

The many grasses (and flowers) that I had planted and nurtured without resting my hands had no choice but to be left to the heart of the wind.This zen poem was written by Ryokan Taigu who was a quiet and unconventional Soto Zen Buddhist monk.In his later years, Ryokan planted various flowers around the family hermitage and grew them with great care. However, a strong wind blew in May and the plants and flowers fell over.- Surrender to a higher power. Trust the Universe, and we let go.. - then opportunities or blessings come to us.My daughter and I experienced an amazing encounter one morning at the Racquetball courts. One of the early morning tennis regulars at the park we go to was warming up right next to us. We were a bit embarrassed to practice next to him because we were beginners at tennis and terrible at it. You would never ever imagine if you see Victor playing tennis—a 65 year old guy who can’t see in one eye—he had at least 3 major hip surgeries from a big bike accident. He had 6 years of battle with sickness including being in a state of coma. When doctors gave up on him, he discovered his healing power within himself in his original way. Meditations, Yoga, Qigong and classic ballet. Surrendering is not turning life over. Victor's story of surrender surely encourages many of you.