Freedom

Freedom. I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit lately.

There was obviously alot of physical restrictions on freedom last year (and still ongoing restrictions internationally).

I’m thinking more about mental and emotional freedom. We’re all technically free to live whatever life we choose (within the law, etc) but I know that I’m not, so my assumption is that the vast majority aren’t either.

So, why not?

As always it comes down to the tool that we’ve given too much power to, our brain. So why are we prisoners in our own minds? Pretty much all comes down to our favourite four letter word, FEAR.

We have all experienced hurt from our past and no one wants to be hurt so we base current decisions based on past hurts and experiences. That’s a fairly logical thing to do. But it stops us moving beyond that hurt, we see the world not as it is, but how we perceive it to be. What is the truth? It’s a good question. I guess the thing to do is be concious of our reactions/behaviour to a certain event, backtrack to the thought that led us there and then understand why we had that thought? Is it reasonable or is it based on hurt?

An illusion of freedom appears when I’ve avoided situations that could potentially hurt me. But that’s not living my true self. I’d love to get to the point where I genuinely am free, like most things it’s tough to change deep rooted and even unconcious hurts. But, like any mountain, the only thing that matters is one step at a time. Persevere until I get to the top, then enjoy the view!!