Sometimes silence is the loudest sound of all. It can be noisy and frightening at times. It can also be blissful. We often think of silence as something that is external. But the most powerful kind of silence comes from within.

Silence is a topic we've discussed and contemplated many times over the past weeks. It's something we've struggled with as a group and as individuals. It seems that being quiet for 10 minutes, whether for meditation or in our daily lives, would be an easy task. But it's one that many struggle with.

Silence makes us uncomfortable. We use chatter as a way to suppress the thoughts and emotions that might arise if we are silent. We use talking as an avoidance tactic when we're with another person. To avoid the "uncomfortable silence."

Surrender is a topic that's come up often in our classes and discussions over the last weeks. But what are we really talking about? Is it submission? Is it giving up? Is it letting go? We sometimes associate surrender with defeat or weakness. But surrender isn't a sign of weakness at all. In fact, it's an act of courage.

It's similar to how we say to be the 'bigger person' and just walk away when someone is taunting you or trying to start a fight. It can be far more difficult to turn your back than to return the insult in these situations. It takes an enormous amount of self-control and a higher level of understanding. Do these sound like qualities of failure to you?

We live in a world where there's a constant battle for control, and we're afraid of what might happen if we loosen our grip on it. We want a plan and the security which that offers. But surrender is necessary in order to face the world and our lives with an open mind. We must be brave enough to embrace the unknown. It's only then that we're able to receive all that the universe has to offer us.

The most important person we can surrender to is yourself. When we're busy making plans and contingency plans and trying to control every little detail, it's difficult to be present and to recognize the opportunities that are already coming to us. When we let go, we free ourselves and our energy for more positive pursuits and are able to recognize and embrace the path that is right for us. We are instantly happier once we stop trying to control and resist. We find peace when we reach a place where we can just accept whatever comes. A peace that comes from within, that can't be shaken by the external world.

Every time we practice meditation or asana we experience a little taste of this surrendering. We must try to extend this attitude beyond the mat and into our day-to-day life. Whether it's walking away from a conflict, or just trusting that each interaction and experience brought to us is for our benefit, the result will be a happier and more peaceful existence.

Be brave. Be open. Be free. Find happiness. Find peace. Surrender.