Fear is a natural response of the body when it feels threatened; it’s a biological mechanism that ensures survival. Fear triggers specific chemical reactions in your body for a moment when energy needs to be maximized to face those threats. Most of us have been raised and conditioned with fear being a predominant experience, so it has become naturalized and common. To the extent that we can experience fear when we don’t experience it for some time, wondering if it signals that something will happen and fear will come again, and strangely enough, that feels safe.

Becoming aware of our relationship with fear is the beginning of the journey. Discovering how we are entangled with it and what triggers it and learning different tools that help our nervous system understand that safety can be a natural place of existence is also possible. Fear is not an enemy or a signal that something is wrong with you, it has been a self preserving mechanism in your life and has fulfilled a purpose. There is a moment when you are ready to experience life from a different space, and the whole universe conspires to support your journey.

In essence, both imply a conversation between the Divine—Higher Consciousness and you—a conversation that involves your body, your mind, and your heart. So, in that regard, they are very similar. Both imply the need to move away from being centered in the mind and move inwards, towards your heart, connecting with your body and having clarity of intention.

A slight difference can be related to a broader experience in your path. Prayer is part of a more devotional path and connection with the Divine. Through this connection, there is a personal relationship with “something higher,” through this relationship, miracles and growth occur. Intentions can be more directed to co-create and co-manifest with Higher Consciousness. Through intentions, there is also growth and miracles. Yet, intentions are more of a communication toward Higher Consciousness, and in prayer, there is also the opening to listen and understand whatever arises in the communication.

Surrender in itself has many layers. There is a surrender that happens during dire circumstances when the ego realizes that there is nothing else it can do to change a situation, and it lets go. This letting go may lead to experiencing frustration, a sense of defeat, and a subtle awareness about how little we control. These are learning experiences.

There is a surrender that is a constant happening. It’s a state that involves an ever-present amazement of whatever arises in creation and detachment from the outcome. Arriving in an internal space where this happens naturally requires awareness and patience. This is a pivotal journey in the spiritual path or the human experience. This wisdom arises from experience and is held in the sacred space of the true heart.