There is a definite feeling of freedom in the summer air. Watch, listen and smile as you notice signs of freedom around you. You’ll hear it in the roar of the motorcycles out on a road trip. You’ll see it in the carefree way the children ride their bikes and swish along on their skateboards, trying new tricks to dazzle us. Clothes are less restrictive, allowing for free flow of air around and through them. The sound of flip-flops remind us that the beach or a swimming pool is close by. And the eagles are soaring above – pointing the way to infinity.
Freedom isn’t really a place, it’s more of a state of mind and a way of being. To feel free means we have the courage, desire and commitment to just be ourselves. Authentic. Honest. What you see is who I am. Comfortable with who we are and how we live in this world. What a concept!
We are born into this world as free beings. We are absolutely perfect and quite enough. As we grow up, something changes. We are told we need to do more, be more and try harder~longer~faster. Somehow the expansiveness we came into this world with, shrinks. We soon become insecure, perfectionistic and/or victimized. Or we become arrogant, abusive and/or controlling. The free spirit we were born with never really shines through. But it is not gone! It can return with a choice to expand ourselves and our world. Reach out, reach up and reach within to find and encourage our creativity, compassion, curiosity and confidence. Our freedom lies within us!
The writer-philosopher-guru Osho describes three dimensions of freedom as being Physical, Psychological and Spiritual. He has some interesting things to say about freedom:
“ Freedom means the capability to say yes when yes is needed, to say no when no is needed, and sometimes keep quiet when nothing is needed – to be silent, not to say anything. When all these dimensions are available, there is freedom.”
“Freedom is possible only when you are so integrated that you can take the responsibility of being free. The world is not free because people are not mature… You can have freedom. But the cost is to accept responsibility in its totality.”
“Freedom is simply an opportunity to find a definition for yourself, a true, authentic individuality, and a joy in making the world around you a little better, a little more beautiful…”
“True freedom is always spiritual. It has something to do with your innermost being, which cannot be chained, handcuffed or put into a jail.”
“What exactly is the innermost substance of freedom? That you are free from the past, that you are free from the future… Neither the past exists nor the future exists. All that you have in your hands is the present. And one who lives in the present, unburdened of past and future, knows the taste of freedom.”
Summer is a great time to reflect upon how you express and experience your own freedom. Is there something that holds you back from being free to be you? Once you know what holds you back, you have a chance to change it for your betterment. Make the choice to be a free being and notice how the Universe supports your efforts for expansion, creativity and freedom. Understanding, non-judgment, contentment, respect for self and others are some the positive outcomes of true freedom. What a gift for yourself and the world!