Freedom Redefined
Even with all of our privilege, we’re still learning what it means to live freely.
The idea of freedom has been transformed irrevocably. The value of freedom weighs heavy in our hearts and has been forced into its own evolution. As we close our doors, go back inside and return home, we decipher a new meaning of freedom.
The coronavirus has caused a crisis on a global scale and we are experiencing its impact as a collective. As ‘One’ we stay in our homes and isolate ourselves from the outside world, and all for the greater good. At first, we felt our freedom was stolen by this virus. We were warned against visiting our friends and family, trapped inside and away from our jobs and the precious connections that we live for. As we let go of the outdated version of what freedom means, we let go of the need to go-go-go, to busy ourselves as an acceptable means of distraction. As we adjust to letting go of this false sense of freedom, we go inside and we listen. We are open to new labels and allow others to name us heroes for staying inside, for by letting go of our perceived ‘freedom’ we are saving lives. We find new ways of connecting and care for others from afar. Never has connection felt so sweet.
Through isolation it can certainly feel that our freedom has been taken away, even if it is temporary and for the greater good of the collective. In exchange for our self isolation this crisis has begun the unraveling of years of societal conditioning. It once felt extremely selfish to care for yourself and your needs, to listen to your body and it’s truth, we didn’t have the time to stop and look around, take a deep breath and look again, to speak out and step up for our brothers and sisters around the world. As we are forced to isolate, we feel our oneness more than ever. Guilt is released and we succumb to self care, acceptance and compassion. As we sink into our natural rhythms motivated by what is truly important to us as beings, we allow ourselves that much, to just be.
After some practice and letting go, I finally feel a new sense of freedom. A freedom redefined. I once thought freedom was merely the ability to leave my house whenever I chose, to go to my job, and stand close to and hug my loved ones. Freedom is defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. This definition is one that now resonates more deeply and so I navigate my day by listening with complete compassion, the same compassion I would show to a child. Recently, I showed compassion for myself when I was tired and needed longer in bed, to enjoy restorative yoga instead of a one hour sweat session, to feel the frustration as it arises and allow it to pass, to welcome the tears to flow and hold myself dearly, to laugh along with a silly movie eating pizza and chocolate until my heart's content, all while leaving no room for guilt or shame. I encourage you to practice compassion, whatever that looks and feels like to you and to recite ‘my life is a joy’ as you choose how to treat your home, yourSelf, each moment.
We may feel forced to stay indoors, but by choosing to return home to the Truth of who we are; pure love, that is the true experience of freedom. Let’s practice love long enough to integrate this new ideal of freedom into our every being. Time is needed as we eradicate societal norms and when we return to the world, when all this has passed, we will be stronger, kinder and more at peace in our safe and loving homes. We will rejoice together as we experience a new freedom, we never knew was possible.