An entry from an old journal of mine reads as follows:
4 July 1997
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
It’s Independence Day, at last! The excitement in anticipation has been brewing in our group for days.
This is the most important of National Holidays here, often characterized by partying, celebration and fireworks.
I’m sure I’ll experience some of this later, although I don’t think anything will come even remotely close to the feeling of liberation I just experienced, watching the sun rise here 5 minutes ago.
Sunrise at Grand National Park
At the time I was in the middle of a fifty day coast to coast camping trek. Being on vacation I couldn’t have felt more free, however witnessing the sun rise on this day, in this sacred of places as I did, has stayed with me ever since.
Every year without fault, when this anniversary comes around, I remember the experience with much fondness. There is however a more significant reason why it’s still as important to me now as it was then.
“Freedom” occupies the number one position on my personal values list. Nothing is more important to me and I neither take it for granted nor do I ever allow myself to be complacent about the many freedoms I enjoy personally.
I thought it would be an opportune time to share with you what I believe about freedom and then to give you a chance to express what freedom means to you.
In a nutshell I define freedom as being ‘unconstrained from whatever I regard as a limitation’.
Of course what one person views as a constraint, another might not, but I’m sure there are certain universal human freedoms we would all agree to.
Personally I view freedom on two levels. There is firstly what I call…
‘Outer Freedom’
This is the freedom I enjoy external to myself. It includes things like being free - of employment, to travel, of hunger, to speak, move around and so on.
Some of these I designed to be in my life. For instance having my own business allows me to be free of the constraints that come with being employed.
Other freedoms are circumstantial. For example some of these may have to do with where I live which means all people living here are afforded the same liberty.
What’s important about freedom at this level is that one can lose any of them at any time because you don’t have any control over them.
The second level of freedom I call my…
“Inner Freedom”
This is the freedom that comes from my knowing I will always be fine no matter what happens externally.
It comes from the relationship I have with God or the Universe. This has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with my own personal spiritual connection within.
This freedom can never be taken away and it is characterized by a deep sense of peace and contentment no matter what happens externally.
I believe it’s the same freedom many people have come to know when they have either been faced with imminent death or experienced within in a very constrained set of circumstances.
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela provides a great example to illustrate this.
He tells the story that in his 27th year of being in jail, a guard he had come to know well, whispered to him that he was soon to be released. Mandela says it was clear the guard was excited by the news and thought Mandela should feel the same way, however he experienced a different reaction.
Mandela felt sad that the guard, who he thought after all this time of speaking and knowing him as he had, did not understand that his spirit and beliefs had never been locked in his prison.
While his body had been, the story of his dreams never could be. The guard did not understand that,
“The only prison that takes away a man’s freedom is one that does not allow that man to dream.” – Nelson Mandela
You now know what freedom means to me so what does it mean to you?
What freedoms do you most value?
Have your say in the comments section and I’ll meet you there. Please also share this posts with your followers because they may be interested to join in the discussion.
Be Happy!
Image 1: By Aschw011 [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons. Image 2: By White House Photograph Office, Clinton Administration [Public domain], via Wikimedia C
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Hey Marcus,
what a great day to write about freedom. I like the way you broke down freedom both internal and external.
Freedom to me is consistent openness and noticing all the great things we have around us. It’s being able to dream and being able to execute those dreams without limitation. It’s focusing on those positive things and knowing that the negatives things that have crossed our minds in the past will not be taken with us after we die.
Even feeling that everyday is a weekend even if you have fulltime job. All of this is freedom to me.
Thanks for your insight Marcus!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
Hi Sherman,
Great to have you visit again!
Enjoyed reading what freedom means to you too Sherman. I think sometimes we forget that we do enjoy many freedoms. It’s when we see and acknowledge these that we allow more to come to us.
Take care.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hey Marcus,
Your sentiments are mine as well and I can’t add much more to what you already said.
I value freedom because freedom means more choices instead of limitation.
The thing is that we are all born free yet we often get deluded into believing that we are not.
I remember listening to an audio-program featuring Napoleon Hill. He said that the only thing that we have complete control over is what we “think” which I believe is along the same line that Nelson Mandela was speaking of.
Justin recently posted..Signs And Symbols – Real Life Examples
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 4th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
Hi Justin,
You are so right about us thinking we are not free. This is because we think we have to get somewhere to be free but as you say we were are born that way, so all we have to do is claim the freedom that is already ours.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Freedom is an important tenet of democracy and have a more broader and deeper meaning. To me, what Mandela felt is freedom, what you’ve expressed is freedom. In order to experience freedom it is important to first feel it and we cannot feel it when we are ruled under subjugation and if we lead suppressed lives.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 8:32 am
Hi Darin,
It is true that we can free ourselves by claiming the freedom that is ours. One can live in a democratic society and not be free and one can be imprisoned and be free.
Thanks for adding to the conversation Darin.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
The Mandela quote is an eye opener.
I value internal freedom, for it means I am free of anything on the inside or in the outside worlds. Once you are free in thought, once you never limit yourself, nothing outside of you can yield power over you.
The real masters, master their own minds. Overcoming the outside stuff becomes easier with practice. Stuff that terrified me months ago, I barely note now. Gaining freedom from the internal fears, the sitting sessions where my attachments arise and seem to grab hold of me….these are the moments that can be quite uncomfortable and feel confining, yet I know each imagined limit is simply a creation of my ego.
So I continue to sit and face resistance on an hourly basis, and continue to release it, becoming more free each time I let my higher self out, the higher self which is 100% free.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful insight Marcus. I must admit, I was a little sad not being able to be back in the States for the 4th because it’s one of my most enjoyed holidays. Your post brought me back there, and I appreciate it
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..1 Quick and Easy Way to Avoid Going Broke
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 6th, 2011 at 7:58 am
Hi Ryan,
I loved reading your comment since I can relate completely to what you express here.
Like many others I have previously sought security in the name of freedom by pursuing external sources.
As you say, the relief that comes from knowing internal freedom is incomparable when one has experienced even a glimmer of this.
The ego does not suffer defeat very easily but when we confront the resistance regularly, make it a conscious practice, knowing that it has no power over us then we can work through anything that threatens to stand in the way of that freedom.
I am sure it must have felt a bit odd not being in the US for the 4th Ryan but then again what it does is highlight how much you value the holiday too.
Thanks for adding your keen insights here as usual Ryan.
~Marcus
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There is a complete world in innerself of each person.If it is bright and positive,it can win the freedom in real world. All happiness of life are because of positive.One can endure hardship for nation if he has first got independence from negative thoughts.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 6th, 2011 at 7:45 am
Hi Seo,
Welcome and thank you for leaving such an insightful comment here.
You are right when we are free of negative thoughts not only does this free us inside but it changes out outer world too.
~Marcus
[Reply]
I think you’re explanation of the two types of freedom is dead on… We focus a lot on our outer freedoms and that’s why we love working on the internet… but we forget that “inner” freedom is what ACTUALLY being happy is all about!
Thanks again!
Erin
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[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 6th, 2011 at 7:43 am
Hi Erin,
Wow, love how you summed this up so well Erin! And the best thing is that we are fortunate enough to have access to both. Aren’t we truly blessed!
Thanks for adding to the discussion Erin. Nice to see you here again.
~Marcus
[Reply]
My feelings about success and freedom are best expressed in a quote I keep on my desk – “There is only one success – to be able to spend your life in your own way.” ~Christopher Morley
marquita herald recently posted..30 Day Self-Discovery Challenge
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 6th, 2011 at 7:40 am
Marquita aloha. That quote simply says it all. I agree. Thanks so much for sharing that with us.
~Marcus
[Reply]
What a wonderful post and so very well said. I couldn’t agree with you more. Your explanation of both inner and outer freedom was so spot on.
To me, freedom is having no limitations. Whether it’s on the inside or the outside. I know that we are all in control of our own thoughts so it’s up to us to keep them on the right path.
I loved you sharing Nelson Mandela’s story. It’s just so spot on that his spirit and his belief’s have always been in the same place whether he was imprisoned or not. That’s real freedom.
Thank you Marcus for sharing this with us especially on July 4th. Very appropriate.
Adrienne
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[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 6th, 2011 at 7:39 am
Hi Adrienne,
Always lovely to see your smiling face here in the comments section!
It is so incredible that Mandela faced what he did for so long and yet remained compassionate and forgiving, especially towards the perpetrators who were responsible for his outer suffering.
I agree with you, this way of being could only come from one who is well acquainted with inner freedom.
Thank you for adding your thoughts here Adrienne.
~Marcus
[Reply]
This is a great post during this very important holiday in American history. I applaud you Marcus, for really thinking about what your freedoms mean and appreciating them.
Too many people don’t.
In fact, I am not immune to taking for granted the freedoms we enjoy in the US. Independence Day, if for no other reason, is so important to our country, because it reminds us of these freedoms and how hard our soldiers and ancestors have fought to give us the freedoms we enjoy.
As with many of the other commenters, my inner freedoms are of the utmost importance to me. As you said, they can’t be taken away.
But my outward freedoms like the freedom of religion and speech should never be underestimated or taken for granted.
Dr. Bob Clarke recently posted..Productivity or Perfection – It’s Your Choice!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Hi Bob,
As you say it is a very important anniversary for all in the US and how fantastic that you have a day where the focus is not just on national pride but the freedoms that you enjoy as a result of those who went before you.
I agree too that we must acknowledge both the inner and outer freedoms and take neither for granted since we live in the physical world as spiritual beings so embracing both is what will give us most meaning in our lives.
I appreciate your comment Bob. Have a great week.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Marcus, aloha. What a fantastic post and how clearly you expressed your freedoms. Obviously they are as much a part of you as breathing.
My thoughts on freedom are much the same as yours. It is knowing I can be or do or have anything I want. Each and every day as I live my life I make the choices that determine my future as I live gloriously in the present.
By focusing on the positive and controlling mind chatter, I am free to be the me that I want to be.
Marcus, it is my life and I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it. It is not for some “arbitrary” person to tell me what I can and cannot do. Like you, I do not choose to give away my power.
Your Nelson Mandela quote and story are favorites of mine as well. They remind me of another inspirational favorite Viktor Frankl. Here are two of his quotes that resonate with me for this topic.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.”
“Everything can be taken from a man or a woman but one thing: the last of human freedoms to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
Reading this post is a fabulous way to start the week. Thank you so much, Marcus.
Wishing you a magnificent week, my friend. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Janet recently posted..OMG! It’s Jessica Northey
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 5th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Janet aloha. I know that your and my beliefs are very much in tune when it comes to values such as this so it came as no surprise to me to read this wonderful comment of yours.
Your point about controlling mind chatter is so significant because of course the voice in our heads wants us to be anything but free since when we are then it is rendered defunct.
I love the Viktor Frank quotes. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to his work when I was still studying Psychology. What a an insightful man!
I am pleased you enjoyed this post Janet and I’ll see you through the week. Till then have an awesome one!
~Marcus
[Reply]
Janet Reply:
July 30th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Marcus, aloha. The other day I was looking for something and came across some great Viktor Frankl clips on youtube. Though I do intend to use one in a post, do head on over there and watch them. It was great to watch and to listen to him. Aloha. Janet
Janet recently posted..When is the right time? By Janet Callaway by Janet Callaway | The Natural Networker
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 31st, 2011 at 6:08 pm
Awesome. Thank you so much for letting me know about this Janet. I will definitely check them out and look forward to your post too.
~Marcus
Marcus Baker recently posted..Does This Question Kill Conversations?
nice post marcus.. I liked reading it a lot..
I think we may have the same view for freedom.. I liked the way you described internal freedom.. I myself am experiencing that kind of freedom with my relationship with GOD.. That is the kind of freedom I want to share, it’s more important to me as it seems..
Great Job in posting this..
jandelaria recently posted..Fact Sheet on Head Start & Georgia Pre-K
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 6th, 2011 at 7:31 am
Hi Jandelaria,
That is exactly what inner freedom is, our relationship with God.
It’s this which must shine through whatever we do as this is what people around us will feel and know to be different about us.
Thanks for the great comment!
~Marcus
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Hey Marcus, This is really an inspirational article I think. You have noted some quote which is so demanded. On an article about Freedom, referring “Nelson Mandela” was absolutely perfect. And all of those comments, I really really like. Thanks for a nice work.
lisa recently posted..Ways to win the lottery
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 6th, 2011 at 7:24 am
Hi Lisa,
Great to have you visit again. I guess the name of Nelson Mandela is quite synonymous with freedom.
He continued to demonstrate this even after he was physically free since he held no grudges against any of those who had imprisoned him.
I am pleased you enjoyed this Lisa.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
awesome post. Goes hand in hand with the video I shot on Easter Sunday on the territory of the ex-GDR. We can have outer freedom – like the freedom to travel – but we may or may not use this freedom. When we don’t use outer freedom that’s already there, it’s because we lack of inner freedom, it’s because we imprisoned us with our self-limiting beliefs and consider them as true.
On the other hand, if there’s no outer freedom, we still can feel free when we choose inner freedom.
Most people waive their freedom for the sake of security. The most secure place is a prison – they even protect people from killing themselves, but it’s the most unfree place at the same time.
Thanks for sharing your personal Independence Day memory.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..What Are My Beliefs About Work ?
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 6th, 2011 at 7:21 am
Hi Oliver,
I remember that video Oliver and I agree they do go hand in hand.
You are right most people do waive their inner freedom to feel secure externally.
Of course this is always short lived and since form must always dissolve and or morph into something else which leaves one more vulnerable than when one started.
The difficulty again comes down to believing and trusting that that we will be taken care of by that which we can’t see, touch or “own”. The key of course is allowing ourselves to feel it and when we do all the external security in the world pales into insignificance by comparison.
Thanks for adding your keen insights to the conversation Oliver.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Internal freedom is the key. I like how you described it and the example you used with Nelson Mandela.
Internal freedom is critical to happiness or so I think. That is what helps you get through the harder moments in life.
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[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 8th, 2011 at 2:25 am
Hi Jack,
We can never control what happens to us but we can control how we respond and if we know inner freedom then what happens on the outside can never knock us over completely. It’s great to know this.
~Marcus
[Reply]
I think freedom is all about the possibility of free speech, of saying what you think without worrying about consequences because of that.
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[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 8th, 2011 at 2:23 am
Hi John,
Welcome!
Free speech is definitely something to value and we would do well to remember that there are many who do not enjoy this freedom.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus!
It’s just as well that I’m reading this post of yours after I had written something about “independence.” And I really appreciate the way you have compartmentalized the 2 kinds of freedom and what it really means to you.
I am most touched by your reference to Nelson Mandela’s concept of freedom and how physical structures cannot really obstruct or shackle a man’s dreams, goals, or visions for a better life.
As inner freedom is a concept, one cannot really break it. If we embrace it, then it will never be gone from us no matter what.
The freedom that I love most is the freedom to do things that I love without restraint from anyone. The freedom to be with my family at anytime is the one freedom that I cherish the most.
What a lovely way to head back to blog commenting after a week of staying quiet and be met with the concept of freedom (and independence)!
Elmar Sandyck recently posted..June 2011: A Month In Review
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 8th, 2011 at 2:22 am
Hi Elmar,
Being with family more must be one of the most valued of freedoms to home business owners when one considers how much time one could spend apart in the employment context.
Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful comment and sharing what you most value too Elmar.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Great outlook, Marcus. Freedom to believe in what/whom I want is key. Freedom to openly express my ideas, opinions, thoughts and beliefs online. Freedom to travel about the country; even state to state. I value freedom to marry whom I wish, live where I want, and earn money as I please (paying taxes, of course).
Those are things I value.
Jon recently posted..Will You Copy this Company’s Customer Retention Strategy?
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 8th, 2011 at 2:19 am
Hey Jon,
Great to read what freedom means to you Jon. Thanks for sharing these with us here. I smiled at your reference to taxes but I am sure many think they should be free of that too.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi markus,
Your post really helped me to understand the meaning of real freedom. It has great details and yet it is easy to understand.
That’s what i was looking for. I will definitely share it with others.
Thanks for sharing.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 8th, 2011 at 2:15 am
Hi,
Pleased the post helped you in some way. I appreciate your comment.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Nice post marcus.. I liked reading on how you look at what freedom is.. I can relate on some.. what I really liked about is “inner freedom” that is something that everyone should have.. in my opinion.. but of course external freedom should be share as well.. hehe
Keep up the good work..
jesty recently posted..Boost your workout results in the pool
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 7th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Hi Jesty,
Always good to read your comments. We can all be free but sometimes we are waiting for someone to give us permission to be free when in fact the only person who can do this is ourselves.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Inspirational post Marcus. Freedom is crucial in order to develop and grow as a human being.
An interesting aspect is that so many people just take it for granted and don’t value it until something happens that limits their freedom.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 7th, 2011 at 11:31 pm
Hi Catarina,
Thanks for the feedback here. You are so right about taking freedom for granted until it is taken away.
I have experienced this many times myself in the past so I am a lot more aware of how important freedom is to me now.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Marcus, those are the two types of freedoms I live by. It has been awhile since I have read that quote by Nelson Mandela. There is so much more freedom in a dream.
Tisha
Tisha recently posted..The Great Autism Debate-What is the Real Cause of Autism?
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 7th, 2011 at 11:29 pm
Hi Tisha,
Great to have you visit and share your own perspective here too. I don’t believe there’s any other way to live.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
I couldn’t agree with you more! Outer freedom varies from place to place while inner freedom is the same everywhere. Inner freedom comes from sacrifices of Christ making it possible for us to have knowledge of the promise of the kingdom to come. We are able to have the strength to do the right thing…free from sin. None could enjoy any outer freedom without this innner freedom.
Lou
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[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 7th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
Hi Lou,
I couldn’t have expressed the relationship between these two freedoms better than you have done in your comment Lou. Thanks for adding value here.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Marcus,
I enjoyed reading your thoughts about freedom. I especially enjoyed the picture of the Grand Canyon and the way your related the sunrise to your freedom. I remember so well, the majesty of being hiking down in that great canyon and spending two days down there. It was amazing.
Martin Dale
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 25th, 2011 at 3:09 am
Hi Martin,
Catching up on some comments that I seemed to lose along the way recently. My apologies.
The Grand Canyon is one of the places I will always treasure because I felt co close to God and what it truly means to be free,
Great that you have been there and can relate Martin.
I appreciate your comment here.
~Marcus
Marcus Baker recently posted..Internet Marketing Systems – Yes or No?
[Reply]
nice post .. I liked reading it a lot.. In reading it, It made me appreciate the freedom I am experiencing right now.. thanks for that…
For me, there is value in external freedom, but I think I’ll value internal freedom more..
jaust recently posted..The brain is a muscle too!
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 25th, 2011 at 3:11 am
Hi Jaust,
Another comment I seemed to have missed. My apologies.
I agree with you that internal freedom is worth so much more than external freedom.
Thank you for leaving a comment Jaust!
~Marcus
Marcus Baker recently posted..Internet Marketing Systems – Yes or No?
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
I believe the reason most of us are here is because we like freedom.
I work as a freelancer because i got tired of getting up at 5AM and going to work. I bought some books and persevered.
But this is just the inner freedom. Outer freedom is an utopia, it’s impossible to get. We well always be bound by society, we’ll always depend on it.
Martin recently posted..Private Truck Driving Schools
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 11th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
Hi Martin,
Welcome and thank you for adding more value here.
It is true that we can’t ever escape the outer shackles of society and maybe it’s just as well but we can determine how much of this we buy into.
Congratulations in being a freelancer. Some people are too scared to make that choice.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Martin Reply:
July 16th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
Thanks Marcus,
Becoming a freelancer is easy when you’re relatively young, the problems show up when you already have a family, a job, and you need financial stability.
So i haven’t really achieved much, but i have big plans in this area.
Martin recently posted..How to Start a Truck Driving Training School Business
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 24th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Hi Martin,
Sorry I seem to lose the comment on the way but I found it so just wanted to say that having dreams and plans to make them real is the way to go. I am sure you will get there in the end my friend.
~Marcus
This is a great post, on a great subject. Most of us don’t know what to do with our freedom, and don’t really think of how it will be like to live without it.
Living in an ex-communist country, whenever i go to a supermarket i think of those days. Then, everything was rationalized, so you were allowed of only half a bread per day. Now I’m free to buy as much bread as i want.
It’s kind of sad, but our past makes us what we are today.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 12th, 2011 at 8:22 am
Hi Dan,
I am sure you appreciate freedom very differently to many of us considering your history. It’s interesting how conditioned we are by our past as you say.
Thanks for adding your perspective here.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Hi Marcus,
Freedom: The ability to make your own choices, whether they are right or wrong, and to live with the consequences of your actions.
That would be my definition of freedom.
BTW Isn’t the Grand Canyon amazing. The first time I saw it was at sunset. All I can say is beautiful.
Thanks for sharing Marcus and have a great day!
Ian Belanger recently posted..Network Marketing Leadership Blueprint
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 25th, 2011 at 3:15 am
Hi Ian,
I am tracing back and finding comments I haver not yet responded to and yours is one of them. My apologies.
I love that first line of yours Ian. So true, Freedom is ironically all about responsibility and so often it is thought of as anything but.
The Grand Canyon is definitely one of my favorite places in the world – so quiet and magnificent in every way.
Thanks for adding too the conversation Ian.
~Marcus
Marcus Baker recently posted..Internet Marketing Systems – Yes or No?
[Reply]
Marcus, I’m almost ashamed to admit that I haven’t thought too deeply about this question, which means that I’ve been taking my freedom for granted! =(
The biggest freedom that I’ve been especially conscious about and grateful for these days is my freedom to move and travel when I would like to or need to. I’m also really thankful for the freedom to write about topics and people that interest me — so many freelance writers seem unhappy writing about things that aren’t meaningful to them. =(
I really appreciate you sharing the second part on inner freedom, Marcus, because I honestly wouldn’t have thought about it. Nelson Mandela is truly someone to look up to and his quote motivates me to relish in that feeling of freedom in every moment of my life!
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..Streets and Roofs: Who Are You in Your Environment?
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
July 25th, 2011 at 3:20 am
Hi Sam,
I feel sure that you are one person who does not take her freedom for granted Sam!
Maybe you haven’t needed to think about it because you just sensed it and appreciated without having to give too much conscious attention to it?
I think the freedoms you highlight – those of movement and choice of what to write about are massive Sam since they make up everything you do.
I am pleased that my post stimulated you to think about inner freedom Sam as I do believe that when we align our inner freedom with what we do externally, what we do takes on a whole new meaning and purpose.
Always loved reading your comments Sam!
~Marcus
[Reply]
Freedom is in the end a state of mind, it’s impossible for us to reach the textbook freedom since we’re dependent on so many things! We depend on electricity, on cars, on clothes, on money. But if we try hard enough, we can live life as if we’re free. State of mind.
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I agree with Lynn.. however, freedom can be defined by many things it can mean addiction, slavery, bad relationship etc. Personally, I consider holidays as one of the many faces of freedom
Such a great read Marcus. Looking forward for your next post. Thanks!
[Reply]
I guess everyone has their own definition of freedom. Like what Reika said, freedom is subjective. There are people who fight for freedom everyday and there are also ones who want to break lose from their personal chains.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
October 2nd, 2011 at 1:14 am
Hi Esmael,
Good point about freedom meaning different things to different people. I guess whatever it is that you believe is controlling you in some way you want to be free of.
~Marcus
[Reply]
Some great ideas about what freedom means to different people here.
For me it’s always been about freeing myself from conventions and what people expect you to do, instead of what you want to do.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
October 5th, 2011 at 6:36 am
Hi Joe,
Welcome and thanks for sharing your perspective here. Being free of what others think and expect is spot on as far as feeling liberated goes.
~Marcus
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To be forever untouched by negatived things.
[Reply]
Marcus Baker Reply:
December 24th, 2011 at 12:02 am
Hmm now wouldn’t that be ideal?
~Marcus
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