Free(dom)

This word has been playing around in my mind again lately. What does free(dom) mean to me, to you? To anyone, really.

In a general context, for many, it is the ability to choose. Where to live, what to wear, befriend, think, feel, express themselves, etc. Yet, the more I thought about the word, the more I agreed with the above. Free(dom) is about having options, choices, and the ability to choose without restraint.

The values inherent in freedom are self-confidence, trust, leadership, foresight or vision and goals, happiness, connection, community, respect, honour, pride (self-esteem), integrity, drive/ambition, commitment, peace, ease of living, sharing, kindness, hope, safety, security, creativity, ingenuity, independence, self-expression

This morning, while waking up, being inspired to write, free(dom) was shown

“as being free to rule one’s own king(dom).”

Now, before anyone throws the patriarchial, correct political card on the ground, let’s work with what our generation is used to talking with.

The word Free-dom, started to take on more power and depth as I looked into the vision in my mind’s eye. I could see the strong, tall walls, the moat, the country courtyard filling with people bringing their wares and good laughter. I saw the green fields around the castle, and beyond the bounty all that which was part of my Kingdom.

As we know, with status, or position comes responsibility.

I was responsible for overseeing the space and structure and certainly protecting the castle's inner sanctuaries. It was my personal and civil duty to the people entrusted to me (the various parts of my psyche, and body) to ensure what entered was not a threat or hindrance to the kingdom’s operations, but the opposite. To create a thriving and positive environment for happy exchange and sharing.

Responsibility, as in response-ability, is an important task in any operation. Our ability to respond is developed over time, through experience, and by following the advice of seasoned advisors with experience in various operations. A single person is not expected to know it all, be it all and execute all the knowings and tasks required for smooth operations. The stakes in the vision just raised the bar a little bit more, for now, I was also a key person - the lynchpin in smooth operation to maintain the free(ness) of the kingdom.

Wosers. My life experienced a pivoting moment. To live in freedom, I need to co-create experiences, situations and above all learn how to be comfortable living from the values inherent in Free-dom. What an opportunity!!

Considering free - dom is highly sought after and a basic human right why don’t more people create it?

In part, I think it is because we need to become accountable for our life in ways we are not prepared to for. We are responsible for our choices and decisions and don’t always get it right.

In some ways, it is easier to defer to others, let them make the big decisions and take ourselves off the hook. We can blame them for the error of judgment and deflect our part in the process: our parents, partners, boss, the market, government etc. We are not responsible for the external forces, but we certainly are responsible how we interact with them, and respond.

We also need to have a vision and plan for our king/queen(dom), and considering we must step away from generations of being the surfs and being told what to do, think, feel, our roles, choices, and class etc., to move into the position of autonomy is a massive mind, and body shift. It truely takes a lot to unlearn the rules of position, expectations, limitations, fears and run the risk of backlash of stepping out of one’s class.

Confidence, courage, and conviction in spades, let alone talent, are needed to share the vision, develop leadership skills, and coordinate the internal and external team members towards the bigger picture beyond the allocated space's walls. To become free, we need to own the entire damn king/queen(dom) and trust that we and others are of similar mind to the other to co-create and exist together in harmony. Giving everyone we encounter the same opportunity for free(dom) and respect around their choices.

The more I contemplate the concept of freedom, the more I am humbled and inspired. The opportunity is there, waiting for me, for all of us to learn how to become the ruler over our domain, ourselves, interact with others and live from some of the highest core values available to us.

Is freedom for everyone? Yes, to the extent they can grow into self-responsibility and personal influence. To own their life to the best of their ability considering the circumstances they find themselves in, and grow beyond, if they choose to.

I think Paul Jenkins articulates free-dom brilliantly:

“Freedom means being able to do what you want, not what other people tell you you must do. It also means taking responsibility for your actions and not blaming others for things out of your control.

Freedom is important because it allows us to live a life without fear or oppression from those who would seek our enslavement through force or coercion.

Freedom allows us to pursue happiness while ensuring our rights are protected at all times; this includes things like religious freedom, speech rights, and many others that have been granted under law throughout history (such as voting rights).”

To create freedom, we must let go of historical limitations and fears and learn how to lead ourselves and others towards a bigger vision of mutuality, cooperation, safety and healthy interactions. Is this an easy feat? Possibly not, but I think it is definitely worth investing a lifetime towards creating more personal freedom, to live in a way that has personal meaning and value.

Leah is an author, podcaster and Self-awareness coach, supporting your self-discovery and empowerment.

To learn more about her work and services, reach out via her website leahmarshall.com.au