S01E06 | The Art of Surrendering: Trailblazing New Paths by Letting Go

In the prior articles, I explored the balance of vulnerability and authenticity, dived deep into the soul-searching odyssey, and contemplated the energizing essence of Generative Drive and the influence of Mimetic Desire. Continuing this expedition into the uncharted territories of self and existence, this article gently unfolds a new page: the sublime serenity found in surrendering and the unscripted direction gained through it.

For over a decade, I was stuck in a non-stop hustle, always chasing goals without taking a breather. It was all go, go, go, without really stopping to just exist and enjoy the moment. Then, by hitting the pause button, taking a step back not to immediately dive into another project or adventure, but to connect with myself, to enjoy silence, and to really feel and experience each day without the noise and rush that had become my norm.

The absence of a “proper plan” and the ambiguity of this journey don’t seed panic. On the contrary, this tranquil venture into unplanned days emerges as a gentle exploration, a purposeful surrender to savoring moments, free from the tick of to-do lists or the weight of impending deadlines.

Here, in the unscripted terrains of daily existence, I find myself extremely drawn to a particular allure: the mountains.?

Whether traveling the rugged trails of the Dolomites this summer, navigating terrains of the Balkans last week, or anticipating a new adventure in Patagonia at the end of this year, these journeys go beyond mere friendship or physical travel. They've effortlessly melded into my path of introspection. Mountains, with their eternal silence and unwavering presence, are not merely natural wonders; they have become catalysts for my introspective journey, providing the space where my mind can wander freely and my legs can plow along trails, all at a distance from the usual hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Amidst my travels, books have become quiet companions. “The Surrender Experiment,” by Michael A. Singer (a heartfelt thanks to Florian Brunsting for the gem!) particularly resonated, mirroring my preferred state through its tale of embracing life's flow and accepting every tide with an open mind and zero resistance.

This surrender isn’t synonymous with idleness. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not just sitting around staring at my shoes. I’ve never been one for too much idle time - it's just not in my DNA. Together with various business partners, I’m dipping my toes into all sorts of ponds: sustainable energy work in Africa (Energized Africa), transforming Mooie Boules locations into community centers of the future (Mooie Boules Foundation), empowering people to improve personal health (Charged.Health), and even exploring the idea of jumping into a new political movement (Partij Open). More about these endeavors will unfold in future articles.

Although my calendar illustrates a mosaic of activities, the departure from my previous chapter is the absence of specific goals, deadlines or stress. I’m teaming up with people, old pals and new faces, talking, laughing, and simply sharing ideas, forging plans and going with the flow of all the randomness and surprises life’s tossing my way.

Perhaps that's the secret sauce to searching for the next big thing - not to find purpose or passion but to let it gently find you, in its own time, in its own beautiful, unexpected way.

As mentioned previously, your engagements and reflections continue to be an integral part of my journey. So, whether it’s to share insights or simply to spar about a business idea, feel free to reach out. Here and now, in this open space, I am receptive to almost everything.