Because the Art of Surrender is grounded in the perennial philosophy that underlies the world religions, it’s possible to view our expressive art process through the eyes of various spiritual traditions. As you will see in the essays below, each tradition highlights a specific aspect of our creative spiritual practice.
The Art of Surrender as…
- Yoga
Since its beginnings in the ancient river valleys of Northern India, yoga has been defined in many ways. Today, “yoga” is often translated as “union.” This definition relies on the root, “yuj,” which means “to yoke or bind together.” When defined in this way, the Art of Surrender resembles yoga, for both invite us into union with the divine. Read more > - A Jewish Wisdom Path
In the Beginning, the Creator was not alone. According to the ancient Hebrews, before the cosmos was formed, God made Wisdom. This power—who they spoke of as “she”—was God’s first-born and friend. She was also God’s helpmate, and through her the universe came into being. Read more > - Christian Contemplation
What does it mean to contemplate? During the fifth century, in present day Greece, Saint Diadochos explained the practice of Christian contemplation. If the wind is wild and the waves are choppy, he said, this agitation keeps fishermen from seeing below the water’s surface. But when the wind and waves quiet down, they gaze far into the ocean’s depths..Read more > - Rumi’s Way
“Marry your soul. The wedding is the Way.” These two inviting lines, penned by the famous poet Rumi, illumine not only his Sufi path, but also our Way in the Art of Surrender. Read more > - Wu-Wei (Effortless Action)
In China, in the fourth century BCE, the sage Chuang Tzu told the story of Ching, a master carpenter who created an extraordinarily beautiful stand for bells. The story began with Prince Lu asking the craftsman to make a bell stand from wood. Unlike other workmen, Ching did not start right away. Read more > - A Buddhist Koan
In Zen Buddhism, a koan is a paradoxical question or statement posed by a teacher. Because it contains illogical or self-contradictory ideas, the koan challenges students to assume an open, inquiring attitude. Perhaps the most famous koan is, “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” Read more > - Kusolola (Making the Invisible Visible)
When anthropologist Victor Turner visited the Ndembu of Zambia in the 1950’s, he found that much of their community life revolved around the idea of kusolola—making the invisible visible. A frequent participant in their rituals, he soon learned that they associated concealment with affliction, and revelation with healing. Read more > - Other Writings
During our gatherings, we also explore how the Art of Surrender resembles spiritual practices like, Free Play, Kenosis (Self-Emptying), Mystical Remembrance, and Self-Blessing. Read more >