Embracing the present - my meaning of "burn the boats."

Have you ever heard the expression, “burn the boats” - if you have, or have not. Here’s my hot-take on it. The story of Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador who famously ordered his men to burn their boats upon reaching the shores of Mexico, has long been a metaphor for absolute commitment and the elimination of all possibilities of retreat. But I don’t read the story that way (especially cause we’re not into conquering/colonizing); however, what if we reimagined this tale/myth not as a story of conquest and control but as a lesson in surrender and embracing the present?

In this reinterpretation, "burn the boats" becomes a powerful symbol for total surrender to the now. It's about letting go of our mental constructs, our 'boats' that keep us tethered to past regrets and future anxieties, and instead fully committing ourselves to the present moment. We are a society desperate for control and certainty and many of the “motivations or inspirations” that we are accustomed to reinforce this, e.g. “you are the master of your fate.” But that can also be deeply punishing because so much of life is not in your direct control and sometimes the most important thing you can do is let go. Frequently, we believe we are surrendering, convincing ourselves that we're prepared for any outcome, trusting in our being. But, in reality, we often hold onto multiple backup plans, from Plan B to Z. This means we're not genuinely at peace with all possible outcomes. When things don't go as we secretly hoped, we find ourselves scrambling to enact these backup plans, revealing our lack of true surrender.

Let's consider a more concrete example: Imagine being in a relationship where you feel disrespected and emotionally mistreated. You value the relationship but recognize it cannot continue in its current state. You decide to discuss these issues, ready to end the relationship if there's no improvement, believing you're prepared for this outcome out of self-respect/worth. However, when your partner promises to change but fails to act, instead of standing by your initial decision, you find yourself creating new plans—waiting a few more months, or even years. This is a classic case of holding onto control, rather than genuinely letting go.

True surrender is about having the courage to let go completely, trusting that this release will yield transformation. It's recognizing that in letting go, and not frantically grasping for control with numerous backup plans, we open ourselves to new possibilities and pathways for growth.

Total Surrender: A Journey into Now

The essence of this story shifts from an aggressive seizure of control to a gentle release of it. Total surrender is not about giving up; it's about recognizing that perhaps the goal isn't to have more control over life but to become more adept at navigating life's uncertainties. It's understanding that the real journey is not about conquering at all but about awareness, acknowledgment and presence of our internal states – our fears, our rigid expectations, our illusion of control.

Beyond Psychological Time: The Antidote to Suffering

This concept resonates deeply with the teachings of many spiritual and wisdom traditions, who emphasize the importance of living in the 'now.' Our mental suffering often stems from being lost in psychological time – constantly ruminating over the past or worrying about the future. By burning our metaphorical boats, we bring ourselves firmly into the present, where psychological time loses its grip on us.

In this moment, there is no room for the stories we tell ourselves, the 'what ifs,' and the 'should haves.' There is just the raw, unfiltered life—not the stories we tell about life or the situations that happen in life. This is where true peace lies – not in the relentless pursuit of control over life's uncertainties but in the graceful acceptance of them. #acceptitlikeyouchoseit

Surrender as Strength: Embracing Life's Flow

Contrary to what we might think, there is immense strength in surrender. It's about understanding that life is a flow, an ever-changing stream of experiences that we're meant to engage with, not control. By surrendering, we open ourselves to life's infinite possibilities. We become adaptable, trusting in ourselves, and more attuned to the opportunities that each moment presents.

Last Bite: Finding Freedom in the Flames

As we reimagine Cortés' story, we see that burning the boats is not about cutting off retreat but about freeing ourselves from the limitations of our own minds. It's a commitment to experiencing life in its fullest, most vibrant form – the here and now. This is the ultimate act of courage and the truest form of freedom.

In this light, "burn the boats" becomes more than a call to unwavering commitment. It becomes an invitation to a deeper understanding of life and ourselves. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to let go, trust in the universe's wisdom, and immerse ourselves fully in the only time that truly exists – the present.