Thoughts on Freedom

I thought it fitting for this 4th of July weekend in the United States, to write a little about Freedom. 

Often this word is used as an exalted state that, particularly in this country, we all supposedly have. 

However, Freedom only has meaning when it’s used in relation to something. 

In other words, the word Freedom by itself means very little. Only in context —“Freedom From…” or “Freedom to…”—does the word carry weight.

In the lifestyle and physical coaching world, freedom is often a word people use to describe something they aspire to. 

I’m seeking the physical freedom to play hard and not worry about hurting myself. 

I’m seeking freedom from pain

I’m want the freedom to leave a job or change my life.

I’m seeking freedom from an internal feeling of being stuck. 

However, in the pursuit of freedom, it’s a trap to think of it as a feeling. 

Let’s take pain for example. It seems logical we’d want freedom from pain. But so many studies - both psychological and physical - have shown that when getting rid of a feeling such as pain becomes the goal, we end up in a situation that actually constricts our lives — and because our attention then is centered around the pain, the unwanted feelings actually get magnified. 

It might be safe to say, that when freedom is defined as trying to get rid of or avoid something. That approach actually makes us more stuck. 

If we can acknowledge that, then freedom needs to be something a little different than acquiring or getting rid of certain feelings.

Instead: 

It’s the capacity to feel all of your experience without being controlled by those feelings. 

It’s the open awareness and perspective taking ability that isn’t constricted by rigid concepts or beliefs. 

It’s choosing for yourself what matters in your life and taking effective action toward those things. 

In this sense, freedom isn’t just a feeling, but a state of being acquired through a set of skills that make up psychological flexibility. 

This is where a coach can help. 

If you could use someone to align with you in moving through mental, physical, or circumstantial blocks and create a deeper sense of freedom, consider booking a free Alignment Wayfinding Session.

“Wherever there’s water, you know it’s the ocean if it tastes like salt. And in the search of enlightenment, you know it’s enlightenment when it tastes of freedom.”
- attributed to the Buddha

P.S.: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!