We often move away from pain, which is helpful only before being hurt. Once in pain, it seems the only way out is through. Like someone falling off a boat, struggling to stay above the water only makes things worse. We must accept we are there and settle enough so we can be carried by the deep. The willingness to do this is the genesis of faith, the giving over to currents larger than us. Even fallen leaves float in lakes, demonstrating how surrender can hold us up.
In life, we frequently try to avoid pain, believing that this avoidance offers relief, but once we experience pain, we often find that the only solution is to confront it. The analogy of someone falling off a boat illustrates how struggling to stay above water can worsen the situation. Instead, we must acknowledge our pain and allow ourselves to be carried by it, finding a sense of acceptance in the midst of our struggles.
This process of surrender is essential to developing faith, as it requires us to trust in forces greater than ourselves. Just as fallen leaves gracefully float on water surfaces, surrendering to our circumstances can provide unexpected support. Nepo's insights remind us that embracing our difficulties can lead to deeper understanding and resilience.
