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Inner freedom fighters unite

5/6/2015

7 Comments

 
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VIVE LA LIBERTÉ  - VIVA LA LIBERTAD - LÄNGE LEVE FRIHETEN- TRĂIASCĂ LIBERTATEA -লং লাইভ স্বাধীনতা -תחי חירות  - LEVE DE VRIJHEID  -自由萬歲- FREEDOM BE LONG - OPERI LIBERTAS 
After more than a few coaching conversations this week, I wondered how I might help people loosen their self-imposed straightjackets.

How can we be freer? 
How can we loosen the excessive rules we impose on ourselves and, inadvertently, on others? Wouldn’t we feel lighter if our fears and inordinate worries about making mistakes and repercussions would abate?


Because we live in Canada, where we are free from geo-political unrest, systemic violence and war, we are in a privileged position to cultivate inner freedom, more so than so many others across the globe.

Inner and outer freedom are not to be confused – outer freedom is what allows us for the most part to move about freely and safely. We are protected by civil and personal rights.

I am most grateful for this freedom.

What is inner freedom or personal freedom?

Here is an interesting paradox: I have been on a quest for personal freedom as long as I can remember and yet I haven’t defined this for myself.

I’m going to give it crack here – but apologize in advance that this will not be an expert or scholarly piece of work, nor well argued philosophically. More, an exploration into how being a inner freedom fighter “isn’t such a bad preoccupation.”  

Creating the framework for inner freedom
  • Living morally – knowing you have tried each day to minimize harm done to others through careless comments, mean-spirited character attacks, strong judgments  (and the like)
  • Making an effort on a regular basis to be kind and helpful to others and not jump to conclusions or negative assumptions too quickly
  • Having purposeful or at least decent work, love, courage in the face of difficulty
  • Keeping a reasonable diet, getting exercise, meditating, relaxing and having gratitude

Benefits of inner freedom
  • Freer and easier movement of thoughts, feeling and actions – removing the stumbling blocks of hard core beliefs, “shoulds” and “should nots”
  • Softening of the edges, more comfort in your own skin  – able to interact easily with all kinds of people
  • Reduction in the rehashing and retelling of grievances and old stories
  • A greater sense of humor
  • An acceptance of our complicated and contradictory selves - without the need to hide certain aspects of ourselves  (e.g. You can be a vegan but not compost or be a meat-eating composter)
 
Inner freedom offers a quieter mind, a mind at peace, a lightness of being and a sense of unity and of balance.

It's worth the fight,
Peace
Coach Minda

 

 

 

 

 

 
7 Comments
Gulen
5/6/2015 02:22:06 pm

Thanks for this article Minda. This is something I have been asking to myself a lot lately. Do I impose unnecessary rules to myself and kids? If I had the inner freedom, would I be kinder to people surrounding me? I think so. Just need to keep fighting for it.

Reply
Minda link
5/7/2015 06:31:29 am

Hi Gulen,
I'm glad this post got you thinking! There are no absolute answers of course but becoming aware, is really a great beginning. Keep up the good fight - it is a worthwhile cause.

Reply
Robin Golt link
5/7/2015 01:44:53 am

Interesting. There's a conversation the traditions of yoga engage us in, about the relationship between discipline and freedom. The framework you outline mirrors in some ways the foundational elements of an effective "path" to ultimate and profound inner freedom. Although sometimes referred to as "Yoga's 10 Commandments", the guidelines, called the yamas and niyamas, are not in any way injunctions or moral do's and don't, but, as you point out, the first things we are advised to do so as to experience the inner ease that can lead to freedom. In fact, the first "yama" is called ahimsa, which means non-violence or non-harming. The thinking being that there is more chance you'll be able to sit in meditation and go deep if your inner landscape isn't littered with the impressions of aggressive thoughts or actions - past or simmering. I'll leave it at that for now.

Reply
Minda link
5/7/2015 06:44:05 am

Robin, welcome! If you would like to expand on your 30 year practice of yoga and, of yoga teachings, this is an invitation to use coachminda as a platform for a future blog!

For information: http://www.robingolt.com/

Reply
Robin Golt link
5/7/2015 10:13:45 am

Absolutely. I'd be honoured!

Reply
Joy
5/9/2015 08:05:28 am

I love your thoughts on the benefits of inner freedom. So true how humour can release your anger and a simple smile soothe an angry soul.
I was given a book that changed my life a couple of years ago. I was at low point and it lifted me up and continues to, when I remember to try at least to adhere to it's messages. It's called the four agreements and I found that agreeing to these four ways of thinking helps me in my everyday life.
1. Be impeccable with your word.
Pertaining to your suggestion. Words can hurt and they can heal.
2. Don't take anything personally.
This is the hardest one but also the most helpful We're not responsible for how people perceive us...things. They're going to believe what they want to regardless.
3. Don't make assumptions.
As in jumping to conclusions.
Communicate with others. Ask questions. With this one agreement I have transformed my life. It's unreal how much we assume we know but don't.
4. Always do your best.
This is the one that makes it easy to look in the mirror.
I enjoy your thoughtful blogs. Keep it up.

Reply
Coach Minda
5/10/2015 03:08:28 pm

I'm glad I'm in an sync with the ideas presented in the the book you recommend - the Four Agreements (will check it out). It's quite wonderful how a few good principles for living well can make all the difference. Thanks a lot for sharing! It encourages me.

Reply



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