A number of years ago I was doing one of those “let’s get closer” exercises in some semi-professional setting.

You know the workshops I mean – a facilitator comes in from outside and certain employees get the day off to play “team-building”.

So, there I was, a semi-reluctant participant trying to convince myself that on some level I really wanted to “be” with these people.

I think I managed to make it through most of it without giving up my true position, but even so, I wasn’t prepared for the final lesson.

The facilitator had everyone find a partner – someone preferably that they had not connected with up to this point. She then instructed one person to turn their back on the other. And – you know what’s coming now right? – oh, just fall backwards into their arms.

Yeah, right. It was so obvious that it was all about trust, and now my true self gave me away. I couldn’t do it. Every time I felt I was almost there, I pulled back and tried to catch myself. The truth was out – I wasn’t a true team player.

Flash forward two weeks ago. There I was with my spiritual community of choice, when I decided to open my arms at my side, palms outward during the affirmative prayer. I was seated near the front of the congregation, and suddenly the power, the energy, of all those behind me pressed in on me.

In that moment, I realized what real surrender means. And I realized too how hard it is to truly let go.

There is an energy that surrounds us, supports us, and carries us. It can be found in the arms of that co-worker who won’t let you fall, in the smile of a neighbour for no particular reason. When we fall, there is always someone, something, to catch us.

Best of all – we are always lifted up.