The spiritual search is fed on surrender. The more we hand over the reins, the more life or God or whatever meets us half-way.

In essence, the besieged, frightened, miserable ego reaches a point and says, “I haven’t got a clue what’s going on or how to make things better. I need help.”

And each time that happens life says, “Well duh, you’re created, not the creator. You can’t possibly know what’s going on. Now move over and let me drive for a bit.”

If we’re earnest in that surrender, even going so far as to admit we need help with the surrendering itself, then little epiphanies arise, ah-hah moments that demonstrate not just that something is listening, but that something seriously profound is happening behind all this mind-made madness.

This is the danger zone. It’s when a lot of searchers get sidetracked or derailed. They’ve been so unhappy for so long, that a little bit of revelation fills them all up. The ego rushes back in from its banishment, lays claim to the epiphany, maybe even fancies itself a spiritual teacher. Before long, another false prophet is born.

For others, perhaps because the suffering runs so deep, enough humility remains to continue with the surrendering.

Thirteen years into this journey, this is the only advice I’ve got. Get out of the way. Again and again and again.