This question has presented itself over the past few weeks as I have relocated to Denver, Colorado. While visiting a close friend of mine in Boulder, our reminiscing about days gone by prompted a long discussion about philosophy, that spanned the better part of an entire day and included at least half a dozen new friends and way too many beers. It seemed clear to me during this discussion, that the logical mind often desires to win answers - eventually reaching conclusions for which there is no acceptable argument, and giving a definitive answer to the question at hand. But life rarely presents itself in this manner. Winning at life could look so different depending on who is playing - and by what set of rules?
In response to the question which has arisen, I will outline 12 aspects of Freedom, which I believe will cover all the areas of answers which don't necessarily win or lose arguments, but will put those arguments in a context that brings peace to the question. And, it is my intention that in the writing and sharing of this information, the aspects of life which define Freedom become more definitively grounded in my own experience - in such a way as the quality of each aspect is recognizable in my presence as well as my actions and communications. So, I would like to invite you to follow along these next 12 entries, as in my experience, commitments like this often make for some bumpy travel ahead, and I could use some companions along the way : )
The first aspect of Freedom I would like to discuss is SELF-ACTUALIZATION.
As I have contemplated my own Freedom over these past weeks, I have been shaken by my own recognition of the thought patterns which direct my perception. These habits of thought determine so many things about my experience and I have often found that they direct my day with ZERO conscious participation on my part. I have been aware for many years now of the influence the sub conscious mind has on our experience. But what is astounding me is how many thoughts exist in my mind that I didn't consciously choose and are not serving me, or are not leading to the experience of Freedom that I desire.
I think the number one most habitual thought pattern that is recognizable as an aspect of personality, is that which puts me in a bad mood first thing in the morning. I think most people are aware of the "I'm not a morning person" excuse. I have certainly repeated that one, I don't know how many times. Certainly since I was a child. When the alarm goes off, I am the snooze king. And even once I'm awake, I would really rather just go back to bed. But once I do get up, I generally adopt a zombie like demeanor, and have little to offer except grunts and requests for coffee. While I recognize that we do have biorhythmic cycles or circadian rhythms, is it really necessary to be in a bad mood, just for waking up? Is it possible that being in a bad mood is simply a habitual pattern and network of negative thoughts? Is it possible that when I wake up in the morning instead of feeling oppressed I might feel some excitement for a new day? OR at the very least a little bit of RELIEF????
So, Self-Actualization, is partly a process of self recognition. Of holding up a mirror as one moves through the day, observing, taking note and sometimes congratulating or chastising. I found myself thinking one day - "How can I be Free when there are so many thoughts I didn't consciously choose determining my experience?" But, as that thought arrived, I simply replaced it with another one, which feels better to me - "I am Free to create each thought in every moment to match my own desire" - phew, that's a relief. But easier said than done right? While habits may die hard, and thought patterns in particular, this process of thought rejuvenation - of consciously participating in the patterning of my mind is actually causing a feeling of renewal - even though I don't catch every negative thought, every reaction, or emotion that doesn't make me or someone else feel good. This process of renewal is bringing RELIEF from old emotions that seemed to inhabit my experience like an unpleasant neighbor. Relief from emotions whose existence I never questioned, I just accepted them as a fact of life. Like being cranky first thing in the morning.
What excites me about this process so much is I can actually build and remodel not only my thoughts, but what flows from my thoughts, my speaking, my actions and by nature of the process of creating, the people, circumstances and events which comprise the experience of my life. I remember thinking the first time I heard the words SELF-ACTUALIZATION or ENLIGHTENMENT and thought that it was this unreachable state of being that was reserved only for Gurus and Ascetics, Monks and Priests - the holy people who meditate under a Bodhi tree and experience this unbelievable burst of TRUTH and BLISS, and that everyone else was, well ordinary, unremarkable by comparison and unable to participate in any experience resembling bliss or truth. But, I am finding that it is just a process of being, natural and easily chosen. Even making mistakes along the way does not seem to ruin the process. If I take a vacation from choosing my thoughts and run on Auto Pilot for a while, well, the next moment provides a new opportunity. I will choose the next thought when my awareness is ready and that thought won't be judging my recent vacation.
So, Freedom is the result of actively choosing one's thoughts, of continually observing and refining those choices to build a network of ideas and feelings which flow out to the world and create the platform from which to experience the life of our choosing. Freedom is in fact the very process of consciously participating in the choosing of who we are to become and how we will act within the world that surrounds us. This is sometimes as easy as choosing the next thought. One that gives a little relief. One that provides a pleasing experience of change, or the shift from negative experience to a more positive experience. Relief is generally characterized by something negative - pain, stress, or shackles which is alleviated, eased or removed. Meaning that most negative experiences, thoughts, and emotions are an experience of oppression - the opposing force when we are considering Freedom. Thus, in any situation, experience or emotion, it is my commitment of SELF-ACTUALIZATION to discover RELIEF, that I may more fully uncover the Actual experience of Self, the embodiment of Abaddham.
I appreciate those of you who have read about this first aspect of Freedom - and I hope this helps Self Actualization become an experience which you can ease-fully engage, and that the feeling of relief leads you into a greater Freedom. Perhaps as a society, if we were to more fully embrace the concept of SELF ACTUALIZATION through the discovery of RELIEF, freedom would not be something we would need to fight for or protect. For as you will see in the next aspect I explore - Freedom attained through self actualization is something which cannot be taken, cannot be threatened, and cannot be lost. And it is something which does not depend upon an outside power or force to be sustained. It is the true definition of SOVEREIGNTY.
See you along the path of Freedom, and may it be one of renewal, of freshness and vigor.
Abadhita.
The content of this post is inspired in part by the 12 Responsibilities of Mastery from Azurite Press, Inc. and by "The Great Master" by Toby Alexander.
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