What is Freedom? Part 1 Introduction

This is an introduction to an ongoing series where I explore the theme of Freedom. Its definition, what it's meant for me personally, as well as the philosophical and practical elements of this topic.

Freedom is a big theme - my site is named "Fearless Freedom" precisely because this concept has been such an ongoing quest in my life. As I share stories with you, you'll find out exactly why. One definition of freedom explains it to be a state of not being enslaved or imprisoned. In some cases this is literal. For many of us who aren't serving time in jail, we may believe we are free but are we truly?

I spent most of my life on the "straight and narrow". Growing up, school was my focus and I was very academic, I got good grades and was a model student and daughter. Yet my life was very much enslaved by the expectations and restrictions of my family. Their limitations were my limitations. Their rules governed my life. Their beliefs were my framework. For most people this doesn't sound odd. But this is exactly the point. We lead our lives through other's expectations and that is so normalised that no one bats an eyelid. So does this make us free? No it doesn't. Many people live a life of quiet bondage. Their shackles are bolted firmly to their family, their culture, their religion, their community. So in this short introduction to freedom, I invite you to consider if your life is really free.

Do you truly live life on your terms?

I'm not talking about the reckless sort of way, but a life where you don't seek your parent's approval, your partner's praise, your peers' validation. If you've ever been the person who has, so have I. And we aren't alone.

Take the word "culture" for example. Did you know that both "culture" and "cult" are related? They have the same root word meaning cultivation and worship. What this translates into for modern society is that most of us revere the groups we come from. In turn the rules that govern those groups are cultivated in us until they are ingrained and exalted in our eyes.

Until we no longer question them.

Until we follow blindly.

Our race is a culture. Our gender is a culture. Our eating habits are a culture. Our family units are a culture.

Whilst you let that sink in, this link provides informative definitions of cults within the family hierarchy. Just one example of how we overlook the things right in front of us.

I will leave you with this thought:

When we follow blindly, we have many blindspots.