The Art of Surrender

I have been thinking a great deal lately about the topic of Holy Indifference and the art of
surrender. I cannot pinpoint where this topic first begun for me, but I do know that everyday over
the past month or so, this has been a theme of thought.

In case you are not familiar with the term, it is important to note that Holy Indifference does not
mean apathy or a lack of concern. On the contrary, it is an active spiritual state in which one
becomes fully open to God’s will, detached from personal preferences or outcomes. It’s a
willingness to embrace whatever life brings — joy, suffering, success, failure — with trust and
peace. Rooted in Ignatian spirituality, this concept teaches that the only thing worth desiring is
what brings us closer to God. Everything else is secondary.

I have come to realize that at the very heart of holy indifference is freedom. By letting go of our
attachments, we open ourselves up to a freedom that allows us to love and serve more fully. St.
Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, wrote about the importance of this inner
detachment, where the soul becomes free to follow God’s will, unburdened by personal agenda.
It’s not about denying human desires or emotions but about holding them with an open hand. We
still feel pain, we still experience joy, but we don’t cling to them as if they define us. Instead, we
find peace in the certainty that God’s plan is greater than our understanding.

As we each know all too well, Life is full of uncertainties — illness, job changes, relationship
struggles, and more. When we cling to control, we end up in a constant state of anxiety. Holy
indifference offers another way: to trust that all things, whether good or bad, are part of a larger
divine tapestry. It doesn’t mean passively accepting injustice or hardship, but instead, finding
serenity in the midst of action.

For example, if you’re striving for a promotion or working toward a personal goal, holy
indifference means working hard, while also being open to whatever outcome unfolds. It’s about
saying, “I want this, but I trust that God knows what’s best for me, even if it’s different from
what I envision.”

This spiritual indifference requires deep faith and trust, but it is also liberating. We surrender the
illusion of control and allow ourselves to be led by something greater. This act of surrender is not
passive but active, calling us to engage with life from a place of trust and peace, rather than fear
and control.

And how do we do this exactly? I suggest the following:

1. Daily Prayer: Regular prayer helps nurture the habit of seeking God’s will in all things.
   Begin your day with the prayer, “Lord, may your will be done,” and repeat it when you
   feel tempted to control outcomes.
2. Practice Detachment: Reflect on the areas where you feel most attached — whether it’s
   your career, relationships, or personal achievements. Gradually practice detaching from
   these, not by neglecting them, but by recognizing they are not the ultimate goal.
3. Discernment: Holy indifference doesn’t mean avoiding decisions. It means discerning
   God’s will with clarity, free from excessive attachment to particular outcomes. Practice
   asking, “How can I serve God’s purpose in this situation?”
4. Acceptance of the Present: Learn to embrace the present moment, even when it’s not
   what you expected. Holy indifference invites us to fully engage with life as it unfolds,
   trusting that each moment holds purpose, even when it’s not immediately clear.
   Holy indifference is a lifelong practice, a spiritual discipline that offers peace in the midst of
   uncertainty. It invites us to trust that every twist and turn of our lives is leading us toward greater
   union with God. By letting go of our need to control, we discover a profound freedom and joy —
   a peace that transcends our understanding.
   
   I invite you this day to engage in a surrendering stance of Holy Indifference.