What Does It Truly Mean To Be Free?
Kenneth Daniel TAN
Global Healthcare Executive dedicated to Purpose-Centred Living and “CxO CoPilot” spanning industries to empower executives who drive purposeful transformations through their leadership transitions.
In the pursuit of happiness and fulfilment, the concept of freedom often emerges as a central theme. But what does it truly mean to be free? Freedom is a multifaceted notion encompassing various dimensions of our lives, from the absence of constraints to the presence of opportunities to pursue our passions.
The Dual Nature of Freedom
There are two broad types of freedom: "freedom from" and "freedom to". "Freedom from" refers to liberation from various constraints such as psychological, economic, social, cultural, political, or discriminatory barriers. It involves being free from pain, suffering, loss, and obstacles that hinder self-determination. On the other hand, "freedom to" consists of the ability to pursue opportunities and dreams, the liberty to choose how to spend one's day, the freedom to choose one's work, the right to buy and own things without financial worry, and the freedom to express oneself.
Financial Freedom: A Pillar of Personal Liberty
Financial freedom is a cornerstone of personal freedom. It influences both the freedom "from"—liberating individuals from economic constraints—and the freedom "to"—providing the resources to pursue one's passions. Financial freedom is not merely about wealth; it's about having control over your finances to make life choices that are not dictated by financial necessity.
Misconceptions About Financial Freedom
There are many misunderstandings about financial freedom. It's often thought to be about having a lot of money, but in reality, it's about being able to adjust your finances to life's changes. It's not just about having a certain amount of money, nor does it mean having all the time in the world or not having to work. Owning a home, while important, doesn't always mean you're financially free, especially if it comes with debt. Additionally, financial freedom is achievable for people at all income levels through saving, investing, and spending carefully.
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Freedom From Judgment: The Inner Dimension of Freedom
Freedom from judgment" means living authentically without fear of criticism or disapproval. It involves self-acceptance, genuine connections, creative freedom, mindfulness, and rational self-determination. This type of freedom enables individuals to make decisions based on their values rather than external pressures or societal expectations.
Cultivating Self-Acceptance and Freedom From Judgment
To develop self-acceptance and free oneself from judgment, it is vital to celebrate strengths, focus on controllable aspects, align one's life with core values, adjust inner dialogue, practice mindfulness, forgive oneself, seek support, embrace imperfection, and sometimes, 'fake it till you make it.' These practices help in accepting oneself and navigating life with a sense of kindness and understanding.
Self-Compassion: A Pathway to Freedom From Judgment
Self-compassion is intrinsically linked to freedom from judgment. It involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding, reducing self-criticism, and promoting acceptance of one's imperfections. It enhances emotional resilience, supports authentic living, and facilitates growth. Self-compassion helps break free from the chains of self-judgment, enabling a life of authenticity and fulfilment.
True freedom is a complex interplay of external circumstances and internal states of being. It's not just about the absence of constraints or the presence of opportunities but also about the inner peace that comes from self-acceptance and compassion. As we navigate through life's challenges, understanding and embracing the various dimensions of freedom can lead us to a more liberated and fulfilling existence.
Gentle Leadership | Respecting Inner Wisdom | Foster Conscious Living | Regulatory Affairs & Lifetime Learner
5 个月When we accept where we are right now is fully our own responsibility…then that is when we know we always have a choice…a choice to make a different and that’s freedom…?
?? C-Suite leader ?? Executive Coach and Advisor to senior leaders and Founders ?? Podcaster | Author of "How to be a Curious Leader" and "Strategic Agility" | Founder of engage4performance Pty Ltd
5 个月Hmmm….. I wonder if many people truly experience “freedom”….. is it real, Kenneth Daniel TAN ?
I help ambitious leaders build strong Executive Presence so that they get rapid career growth and coveted CXO roles I Executive & Leadership Coach I Learning and Development | Training | Talent Management
5 个月Yet, true freedom encompasses liberation from judgment, self-acceptance, and practicing self-compassion to foster an authentic and gratifying existence. Understanding these diverse dimensions of freedom empowers us to navigate life's obstacles toward a more emancipated way of living.
APAC RA leader zealous about building winning teams, policy shaping & digital transformation
5 个月Kenneth Daniel TAN Thanks for another great food for thought article on a Monday morning. I have heard many getting stuck stuck on their financial freedom journey due to obsession to build a bigger and bigger “war chest” for greater financial independence. As many of us know thru personal experiences, greed knows no bounds, and it is up to us to exercise our prefrontal cortex and rein in our hoarding mentality. There is usually a price to be paid in our pursuits, whether it is time or money, so self-reflection can help determine “if the price is right”. But often, we can be so enthralled by highly refined algos like social media, entertainment, distractions that we jettison self-reflection time. The key is then creating regular time for deliberate, continual evaluation of what matter to us (as our values and desires can change), and prioritizing according to them. And that to me, is what it means to be free (to pursue our meaning in life).
My life work is helping people live longer, healthier, more active lives.
5 个月Kenneth, this is really profound. Please keep going with these ideas. I think you have the start of something much bigger.