According to Oxford definitions, freedom is the quality or state of being free such as absence of coercion or constraint. In all spheres of life, there is this propensity within us that causes us to desire and pursue freedom. Historically, culturally, individually and institutionally, there are facts to prove this inherent nature within us. History presents its fair share of the cake with the advent of freedom fighters who, I must admit, fought for a noble cause.
We are in times where we are experiencing rapid changes in our culture owing to the quantum leap from supposed bondage and restrictions to freedom. Time and space may not permit me to elaborate on this point. Individually…when was the last time you moaned the statement “why can’t they just let me be…” or anything close to it?
With time, I’ve realized that when many think about freedom, they think of it as something activity related. To put it plain words, they confuse freedom with idleness. We mostly hear people say things like “when I’m free, I’ll pay you a visit” and so on.
However, I’m of the view that freedom is not that straight forward as we think it is. Freedom is not a function of activity but expressivity. I know this may sound like one of those popular quotes around but what matters is the meaning behind that statement.
Though I may not be able to fully develop the idea and reasoning behind that statement in today’s article, I hope to blaze the trails so you can reason your way through to discover what lies at its depths.
Initially, I cited the Oxford definition of freedom but let’s go over to the Restpiration Library to find out from our Rest books an alternative definition… Oh wait, I think I found something. There you go… Freedom is simply being true to your authentic self and having the luxury to express it without fear of contrary opinions.
Wow! This definition is so self -explanatory and direct. We need to understand that the cry of our hearts is for the expression of who we really are. However, this cry is manifested in the desire and pursuit of freedom, in hope that with the oppressors out of the way we may find our voice of expression.
With this understanding, it wouldn’t matter what our schedule looks like, we would place emphasis on expressivity and not our leisure hours.
I hold this belief that even during working hours, we can be free. Although we may not be able to do the ninety-nine other things we wish we could have done, giving vent to our individuality during working
hours will produce the same effect of adrenal rush as any other thing you’ll like to do with your “freedom”.
That said, it matters the kind of work or venture you engage in. I like the way Bernita A. Esposito, MA(Author of The Gifted Highly Sensitive Introvert) puts it when she said, “your work must be the very expression of your soul.”
Restpiration 