I mourn for all the captive victims. It upsets me deeply whenever I recognize that my own mind has once again been trapping me in an unproductive and harmful negative loop. I used to stew in these states for far too long, but now I acknowledge the observation, learn the lesson, and move forward. Contaminated and recurring thoughts can ensnare us in a swirling swamp of stagnant staleness. When we cannot move well, physically, mentally, or emotionally, how can we expect to exercise any freedom? How limited are we when we trudge along looking for some answer or external help beyond ourselves?
Stop. Stop everything. Then you will realize you are the freedom you have been searching for.
-Papaji
What is holding you captive – a job? Look for other options. Own the pursuit of your freedom. What else – family issues? How can you improve to foster an evolution in dynamics? If you cannot create worthwhile wisdom on your own, then seek out therapy. We can accept help from others to find our path towards freedom, but we still have to move ourselves in these liberating directions. Anything additional – your past? How much are you rewarded for repeatedly replaying a previous point? What can you focus on right here and now to free yourself from anything other than the here and now? If you are not learning from your reflections or forecasts in either direction, then I question your current level of freedom. Are you controlling your life, lane, and body, or are you being captive?
For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
-Nelson Mandela
Shift and substitute captivity for captivation. Find your freedom, then use it wisely. Choose for yourself. If you go along with others, then you are choosing to subdue your own voice. I do not believe that is how we should exist here. Our spirits should not be silenced, and we should also not silence any others. Coexisting freedom is one of my favorite dreams to continually strive towards. A cooperative effort cultivates the best character in each of us while a competitive countenance causes bitterness and hatred.
Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
By this period in human development and societal progression, we have no need for anyone to be born into captivity. The sovereign rights of each and every individual should be established and preserved. Power struggles and control games do not fuel freedom or fairness. When we all begin to feel safe and secure, we will thrive even better. Complete freedom across the board is a golden ideal that we should feel no need to conceal. When we peel back all the layers of trauma and conditioning, then we can begin to freely heal.
We all need freedom and security, which is why when the world doesn’t feel safe, we often don’t feel as free.
-Esther Perel
Set yourself free, as best as you can. Confidently own your choices to control your inner space. No one else can take that away; we have the final say on how our soul will sway.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.