Surrender Of The Ego
“Had We sent this Quran down on a mountain, you would have seen it trembling, crumbling in awe of God. These parables We cite for the people, so that they may reflect.”
Surah Al-Hashr 59:21
The power and softness within this verse are immense. We often look at mountains with pride, seeing only their power and strength. Yet here, it is explained metaphorically that even a mountain’s heart would tremble and soften with the remembrance of God.
Sometimes we confuse humbleness with not showing up or hiding our power. Taking inspiration from this verse, we can stand tall like mountains, we can be seen, spread our strength, yet know that our hearts dissolve in love with the remembrance of God.
Standing tall, having confidence, and showing the world what you can do doesn’t have to come from a place of ego, but from honoring the gifts that God has placed within us.
Just as mountains extend deep beneath the earth like pegs that steady it, true spiritual grounding begins with roots unseen. It is this hidden foundation that creates both strength, grounding and humility. While the outer form stands firm, the inner heart softens and submits to God.
Live within this duality, one that is, in truth, unity: a strong, grounded presence visible to all, while remembrance of Allah fuels the heart, dissolving it into humility and surrender.
“No matter how tall the mountain is, it cannot block the sun”
Chinese Proverb
Write down moments when you felt strong and empowered
Recall achievements that you are proud of
Now close your eyes and the see the softness within your heart and your closeness to God
Visualize yourself as a mountain standing proud, tall and strong, and parallel to that – see the Divine softly fueling everything that you are.
“Your ego can make you arrogant on the Peak and fearful in the Valley. It keeps you from seeing what is real. Your ego distorts the truth. When you’re on a peak your ego makes you see things as better than they really are. The most common reason you leave a peak too soon is arrogance, masquerading as confidence.”
Peaks and Valleys – Spencer Johnson.
“One evening, an old Cherokee Chief told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is evil – it is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”
The young boy grew eager to learn what the other wolf was like, “The other is good – it is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity , humility, kindness, empathy, generosity, selflessness, truth, compassion, and faith. “
The grandson thought about the two wolves for a minute and then he asked his grandfather, “which wolf wins?” the old Cherokee looked deep into his eyes and places his hand on his shoulders and said, “the one you feed.””
E.G.O – Edging God Out – An Athlete’s Journey Back Home – David Peplinski
