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I know this is bold but I’m going to say it anyway: there is one shining truth for every sentient being - plant or animal – and that is love of FREEDOM. Doesn’t matter whose talking or what they’re saying … at the end of the day, freedom is key. Yes, first we must first attend to the life-sustaining needs of air, water, food, shelter. But I venture to say that for some, freedom is even more important than shelter or food. And for countless courageous men, women and children throughout history, the quest for freedom for -themselves, their loved-ones and their country – is even more important than life
What inspires you to have thoughts of freedom?
What inspired me today? Maybe it was the waking up to a rain-washed blue sky with deliciously fragrant purple lilacs blooming and my backyard drenched in the colors of Ireland; the sound of the snow-melt-swollen creek creating a steady, pulsing back-note for early morning songbirds: the beauty of my daily environment reminds me that I am blessed to be able to choose where I live. Maybe it was reading a few paragraphs from Tim Ferriss’s new edition of 4-Hour Workweek after a leisurely hour of conversation and tea with my husband on a Friday morning … these simple things conjure in me a deep appreciation and gratitude for the freedoms of my own life.
We all long for and value freedom – personal and cultural.
But what does it mean? Yes, what is the meaning of freedom? I believe it has many meanings: endlessly subtle, mysteriously scented and hypnotically shaded – much like the smells that waft across sparkling wet grass of a spring morning after a storm. No wonder dogs get so excited by damp, cool morning walks. The smells are intoxicating! Is that how you begin your day? Intoxicated by life and its myriad possibilities?
I had so much to do this morning, but – seduced by the fresh morning air, I went for a run anyway. Running is a glorious sport. A mini-adventure every time, if you let it be. Just you and your shoes and the trail … and whatever light clothes you must have to protect yourself from the elements. I love it! Perhaps I appreciate it all the more because there have been long periods of time – long years – when I was unable to run at all due to injury or illness. Working my way gradually back to health and strength enough to really walk and then run again has been a victory each time i’ve done it, no less so this last time. And when I can finally sustain a pace, a steady beating of foot against earth over and over again, I feel a joy and release similar to flying in a small plane … and I rejoice and giggle to myself as I melt into the breeze on my face.
Swimming in the ocean has a similar effect on me – a physical freedom and weightlessness that transcends speech. Once I chased native dolphins, far out from shore … stroking through the salty waves, instinctively trusting the sea and the call of the wild. When at last I finally turned back toward shore, I was shocked to see how small it appeared, realizing the distance I had covered. But I was completely unafraid. The ocean held me and carried me to shore as I did my part – kept my head above water enough to keep breathing as I repeated each stroke, each kick.
When I feel like that, ANYTHING is possible.
I set great goals for myself and can envision my life in perfect clarity. And often, when I get bogged down by technical or emotional muck and start wondering how in the world I’ll be able to ever accomplish my goals, I think about my experiences in nature – the more extreme the better – and use them to get me through whatever hurdle I’m facing at the moment, be it business-related or personal. The more I ask of myself in nature, the more I know I can accomplish with everything else. (We’ll talk about the similarities of mountain-climbing and home-birth another time! Ha!)
Avatar?
Did you see it? The flying scenes are some of my favorite movie scenes of all time. When Jake and his Nav’i friends create the psychic bond with their flying beasts and drop out into the open air, high above the water falls and jungle, it takes my breathe away every time. In those moments of flight, freedom rings as pure as a crystal bell. Unrealistic? Impossible? … maybe … but as Tim Ferriss says, “Doing the Unrealistic Is Easier Than Doing the Realistic”.
Now THAT’S something to ponder on and inspire yourself with.
What is your personal definition of freedom? How does it affect your life, your dreams, your plans and goals for your future? I’d love to know. The more we talk about positive, uplifting things, the more positive and powerful we become. I’d be thrilled if you would take the time to leave me a comment and share what inspires you and defines your sense of freedom. Let’s start a dialog.
And to bring this dialog into your work-life, check out Ferriss’s book, the expanded and updated version of The 4-Hour Workweek. My mentor, Mark Hoverson, just sent me a copy as a bonus for being part of his marvelous coaching club. It just came in the mail yesterday and I’m already devouring it. Great leadership inspires others to great things. What will you do to inspire your life today?
I look forward to hearing from you. And if you haven’t already done so, leave me your name and email in the form above so that i can send you my free report on 7 Secrets of Creative Transformation.
Have a wonderful day, full of your own brand of freedom,
Buff Elting
May 14th, 2010 at 12:20 PM
For me, freedom means freedom of fear.
On an “earthly” level, it means freedom of fear of not being able to retire with enough money in the bank.
On a different level, it means freedom from the fear of death. Contemplation, I believe, is the key to realizing that there is only one being. “The one” that has become “the many”. I believe evolution is “spirit in action”. Nature, for that reason, is a great place to be.
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buffelting Reply:
May 16th, 2010 at 8:44 AM
Hey Mark,
Freedom from fear … that just about says it all, doesn’t it? I mean, it is a rare person indeed to is completely free of all fear so to reach that state would be an ultimate state of freedom. Thanks for being willing to share these feelings that are so near and dear to your heart. Here’s to glories of nature!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Buff
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May 16th, 2010 at 9:36 PM
Freedom to me means no cell phone ringing, no clogged email inbox just lots of unscheduled time when I can explore, nature and spend time with my kids and my family.
What a fabulous post. Thank you.
Evelyn´s last blog ..The Ultimate Dream Project: A Personal Review
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buffelting Reply:
May 20th, 2010 at 8:10 AM
Hi Evelyn. Thank you for sharing what freedom means to you. I am right there with you on each of the important things you mentioned. And I love the way one question can illuminate areas of life that are so close to the heart!
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May 16th, 2010 at 10:55 PM
I love this article. It is beautiful. There are a couple little goof ups in the beginning, but I enjoyed all the way through.
Freedom to me is having enough wealth to be able to go where ever I want and doing what ever I want. As you well know, I want to see it all. That would be ultimate freedom to me.
I love the question!!!
Dakota´s last blog ..Western Plans Zoo @ Dubbo
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buffelting Reply:
May 20th, 2010 at 7:59 AM
Thank you for your comments Dakota. I truly appreciate the way you are living your life and admire your joy and adventure-filled path!
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May 17th, 2010 at 4:50 PM
I just loved being imbued with all those luxurious visions and delicious perceptions you painted in your post. Yum! It sounds to me that you are describing what it would be like to in our native state, with full use of all our 57 perceptions and the ability to be in communication with all that is life and created by life. Which I suppose is the result of being free. Freedom implies that there is something to be free from, perhaps it is all those things, ideas and actions that keep us from being what we really are, spiritual beings.
Thank you for the luscious indulgence, it most definitely brings a person way up-tone–almost completely free
Jan
Jan Hale´s last blog ..All Water Is Not Created Equal
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buffelting Reply:
May 20th, 2010 at 7:52 AM
Thanks for your comment Jan! It makes me happy that my words can inspire words like visions and delicious perceptions because that’s really one of the best things about my life – how rich and delicious it is – and being able to share that, and hopefully inspire others, is a great joy.
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buffelting Reply:
May 20th, 2010 at 7:58 AM
…and thank you for sharing your thoughts on freedom. I agree that Colorado plays a large role – inspiring millions of people, many of whom may never have even been here! We are so blessed to live in this astonishingly beautiful natural environment.
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May 24th, 2010 at 2:04 PM
Hi Buff!
Thanks for sharing your article with me today…I really appreciate it.
Freedom is so very important to me & I never take it for granted, no matter what type of freedom it is…ie financial, psyche, physical, etc.
Have a pleasant day…your tribal friend Steven Suchar
Steven Suchar´s last blog ..Are Your Tweets Being Retweeted?
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buffelting Reply:
May 27th, 2010 at 9:15 PM
HI Steven,
It’s always refreshing to hear of things – especially something as close to the heart as freedom – that are being deeply appreciated at all times. Thanks for sharing your positive attitude of gratitude!
Best wishes,
Buff
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May 24th, 2010 at 2:14 PM
Thank you for an inspiring post Buff!
Freedom for me means a lot of things, including having time to appreciate the simple pleasures like twiddling aimlessly on my guitar, taking time to cook a meal with loving care, or just sitting and watching the birds play at the bath or deadheading flowers in my garden on a warm summer day – all these things we sometimes have to rush through to beat the clock in our daily routines.
It is a great reminder that we have these things to work toward as we build our businesses and work to improve ourselves and our social communities online and offline by working together in a cohesive group. Having a mastermind group is an outstanding source of energy and strength!
Thanks for reminding me of that book too, I’ve meant to pick up the 4-Hour Workweek for quite a while!
Wishing You a Brilliant Day!
Vicki
Vicki Berry´s last blog ..Feedburner Drops RSS Subscribers; Can You Avoid Losing Yours?
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buffelting Reply:
May 27th, 2010 at 9:10 PM
HI Vicki,
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. I agree- it’s often the simple things that can be taken for granted that really define the most profound and sublime elements of freedom in our lives. Thank you for spelling out some of the most precious in your life – expressions which I share with you.
Blessing and Light,
Buff
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May 24th, 2010 at 2:40 PM
Firstly, what a wonderful blogpost. The imagery you created was amazing. I was almost in that back garden with you. We are, most of us freer than the average person. We have no boss breathing down our necks. We choose to work how we want and follow our passions. Most importantly however, we are free in our thinking and we’re free from the fear that holds so many out there back from trying their wings at entrepreneurship. Everything else is a result of that freedom.
Kerry Painter´s last blog ..Community Not Competition…..I Like It
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buffelting Reply:
May 27th, 2010 at 9:04 PM
HI Kerry,
How true, how true! As an artist, self-employed for most of my adult life, the freedom to NOT have a boss is certainly one of the things I’ve cherished…it’s fantastic to be witnessing so many people being set free to work independently. I foresee ever greater results and creative possibilities as more and more join the “ranks”.
Thanks for adding your voice to the discussion
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May 26th, 2010 at 9:50 AM
Great question/dialogue you got going on here Buff!
To me, freedom is anything that excites me. It could mean me on vacation, me solving a problem, helping to resolve someone’s issues, running, gosh…so many variations of what freedom means to me.
Thanks for allowing me to point that out to myself. I haven’t really thought about it until now.
Keep the great articles coming, Buff!
Jaclyn
Jaclyn´s last blog ..7 Productivity Secrets For You!
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buffelting Reply:
May 27th, 2010 at 8:56 PM
Thanks for jumping in on this topic Jackie. It’s something that has always been near and dear to me and I love hearing from other people on it.
One of the things I really appreciate about all this tribal interaction is the opportunity to share and discuss elements of our lives that are deeply important and infinitely full of variations.
And one of the things I most appreciate about you is the wonderful freedom of your spirit!
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