Freedom

What is freedom?
We can refer to the official definition – the right to speak, act, or think as one wants without hindrance. Of course, it can’t prevent someone else from doing the same. My freedom doesn’t override yours. Obstructing because of race or religion, holding someone at gunpoint, destroying another person’s property, or running someone off the road are examples of misuse of freedom. In such cases, legal action is necessary to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Does freedom mean getting to do what you want, when you want? Speak your mind?

When you think about it, it isn’t an easy answer, maybe because it’s something that some of us take for granted.

FREEDOM is a wonderful gift and something we can’t take for granted.
Freedom to Speak and Act – In America, we enjoy freedom of speech, even when it sparks heated debates and conflict. It’s what has helped our nation continue to grow. According to Freedom House, over 91 countries lack the same freedoms as other countries.[1] Some of these countries punish individuals who speak out against the government. We are fortunate that we can still express our opinions without fear of imprisonment or worse.

Freedom from bondage. Bondage can be external or internal. Slavery is alive and well. There are 160 million forced child labor participants,[2] 27.9 million children, and adults who are sex trafficked or used as slave labor.[3] This is slavery that is externally imposed. Hopefully, someday, we will have a world where freedom reigns, and slavery in all forms will be abolished. Before that can happen, we must face the reality that it exists.

Internal slavery occurs when someone is unknowingly trapped but can free themselves if they are willing to grow and change. Those of us who have suffered from addiction can free ourselves when we wise up to the trickery of the mind. Willingness to overcome their fear of giving up the imaginary benefits of bondage is the key to freedom. Those of us who have overcome addiction, poverty, or other limitations understand the power of exercising free will to choose triumph over failure.

Freedom of Self-expression – Through art, music, writing, and dance, we can express our innermost feelings in various ways. Those of us in the field of psychotherapy have the joy of fostering creativity by helping others find freedom of self-expression. Over time, the true self emerges from the traumas and misfortunes that have bound the person, reclaiming their birthright freedom to love and be loved.

Freedom is like oxygen. Until there’s a shortage, it’s taken for granted. We mustn’t. In the world of Khalil Gabrin, “Life without liberty is like a body without a spirit.” Out of true love for ourselves and others, let us all be free from all forms of bondage so that our spirits can soar.

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