How To Be Free
in a ridiculously fettered society
Many of our life “choices” have been dictated to us, by dint of our race, gender, country, socio-economic status, religion, politics, and more.
We believe we are in charge of our own lives but the idea that we have real autonomy is only an illusion.
Perhaps these statements make you feel angry, or you think they couldn’t possibly apply to you. Sometimes it’s good to get angry, and yes, they do apply to you. But it’s not too late to change that.
We have been programmed and conditioned our entire lives. Beginning with our family of origin (and prior to that, with our genetic heritage), on down through our education, experiences, relationships, jobs, and more. All of it has contributed to how we see the world and shaped our attitude toward ourselves and others. Rarely do we pause to ask why we do the things we do.
The only way to get to the core of who we are is to peel away all these layers and find out.
The irony, pointed out by Carl Jung, is that we spend the first half of our lives building up an identity with everything from possessions to education, career to relationships - and all of it is merely clouding the reflection of who we really are. We are none of the attachments we cling to and call our identity. Not our religious or political ideas, not the people and things we surround ourselves with, not our race or nationality. We are none of that.
It’s usually in the second half of life (often prompted by some kind of upheaval) that we start to examine who we are, what we are here for, and what we want for the rest of our lives.
Many of us come to the conclusion that we want off the career treadmill, to minimize our possessions, experience more of life, or discover the way we want to serve in the world.
Not everyone heeds the call to embark on the inner journey. Some of us would rather go along with our peers, do what society dictates, display the evidence of a successful life with all the trappings, keep on keeping on, and never pause to ask what it’s all for.
But remember, we will die. Memento mori.
Knowing this, truly internalizing this, we must spend our days accordingly.
That’s all well and good, but how can we be free when we have bills to pay?
Earning a living and honouring our soul don’t have to be mutually exclusive endeavours. Some of us are lucky enough to work in a vocation that both provides an income and fulfills our purpose.
For those of us whose income source is not in alignment with our purpose, some changes will need to be made, otherwise we will become sick, either in our mind or body or both. The price of living an inauthentic life is steep.
No matter where you’re at in life, it’s never too late to learn how to be free:
If you haven’t already, begin your inner journey. Try meditation, therapy, solitude, journaling. The only person who will be with you for your entire life is you - it only makes sense to befriend yourself.
You may not be religious but you are a spiritual being. Find ways to honour your spirit.
Aim to work in a career that aligns with your purpose. If you don’t know what you’re here for, take some time to discover it. See step #1.
Save and invest as much of your income as you can. Pare down your consumer wants, minimize your possessions, learn to love living simply. It’s amazing how freeing this is.
Get reconnected to nature. You are an animal and this earth is your home. Spend time enjoying it. Be good to it.
Get reconnected to your own body. While you mustn’t be attached to your body (you are not it), it is your vehicle for getting around in this life. You only get one, so care for it the best you can.
Awaken your creativity. You may not think of yourself as an artist - but you are in some way, shape, or form. The world of work will beat this inclination out of you if you let it. Whether your artistic expression takes the form of painting or dance, spreadsheets or cooking, you have an innate pull to make things. Do more of that.
Find like minded souls to share the journey. While you come into this life alone, and leave it alone, the path is much more pleasant with company.
Do more of what makes you come alive. Maybe it’s serving in a soup kitchen, riding a motorcycle, teaching kids to read, running marathons. Whatever lights you up, remember life is short, and if not now, when?
Learn to be self reliant. Whether fixing your car or cooking your food - you may have lost touch with how to do the things it takes to be independent. The less you have to outsource these things, the sooner you gain your ultimate freedom.
Take responsibility for learning. Read books. Don’t be passive and ingest all the junk force fed to you by an algorithm.
Remove yourself from the noise. This could mean your phone, apps, social media, screens of all kinds, news, advertising, unnecessary shopping, politics, other people’s opinions, and all the garbage that clutters up your life. If you knew you would die in five years, would you spend the amount of time that you currently do on these things?
After a period of years of being fiscally responsible, you may find you can pull the plug on paid work, if you choose to, and focus exclusively on fulfilling your purpose outside of earning money.
Spend your time, your only non-renewable resource, doing exactly what you want. You will likely find yourself serving others in some capacity.
What is freedom? Autonomy and independence, certainly, but it’s also knowing that when we have a set of choices, we are actually free to choose. We aren’t choosing based on appearances, popularity, or pleasing anyone else. We aren’t just following the herd because that’s what’s expected of us.
The modern world will place you in bondage - chasing money, approval, stuff, prestige or status. Whatever society is trying to shackle you with - you can be free, if you want to. The rewards of going against the grain are worth the sacrifices.
You get one life. Live it on purpose.
If this work enriched your life even a smidge, would you considering giving a modest tip?
That was a fantastic read and such sage advice, as always.
With our current political and social climate, your timing is impeccable and your words are welcomed more than you know.
Thanks for consistently bringing us the goods. It's much appreciated.
Yes! Do things that light us up, and take responsibility for learning. Love those!