Freedom to Know
The concept of freedom is very counter intuitive. Imagine the number of ways freedom is defined. We sing about it, we protest for it and we say that we cherish it. But we don’t say why. Maybe we don’t know. It’s a big topic and those are always difficult to nail down. But somehow we feel something when we don’t think we are experiencing it. If you checked out all the books on freedom from the local library, you would have to read non-stop for a long time to discern the different messages from them. But we are free to do so.
Freedom Rules
The counter intuitive aspect ramps up when you realize that freedom can be served by rules. Yes, defining the parameters and boundaries that make sense construct a better way to leverage freedom to its best use. It’s obvious in some ways – traffic signals and rules for sports – but there are many more areas where the rules have to be polished off every now and then. It is likely that when you sit down to a family meal these days that you don’t have to figure out which piece of silverware to use to eat a potato. A fork would work but so would a spoon sometimes. The rules can flex.
Free to Be
Humans like to experience freedom safely. There are many rules about how to build a tall building to keep the users from falling off of it. There are also commonsense rules that tell you to make sure that the tires on your bike are correctly inflated to help you experience a comfortable ride. The bike helmet is a more recent addition developed after so many head injuries. But you are free not to wear one. Your choice. The concept of freedom has a built-in level of personal danger acceptance. Many rebellious types indulge their personality type by steering right into the opposite direction. Their rules for freedom mean that they are permitted to choose differently. Lots of toddlers love the aspect of being able to get everyone’s attention by running with something sharp in their hands. Imagine the fun they must feel when they realize that they have captured everyone’s notice. They have brightened up everyone’s experience and gotten them involved in the mad dash.
Freedom to Follow
We are free to like or dislike rules. That’s actual freedom. The real accomplishment comes in deciding what works in each instance. If your workplace has rules about attendance, they may seem arbitrary if you don’t agree. Or they may seem fair. If your parents had rules about what time your curfew was, you probably tried to make it work in respect. Or you outright dismissed it. If you want to have a life with boundaries that make sense to you, create them and see what happens. Rules can change. Especially self-made ones. They are all choices for the taking. When freedom is not given the respect it deserves, it is wasted. Treating freedom as another precious gift in life should be a rule. That’s one that everyone could follow.
Do the rules in your life create freedom? How freely do you choose what to make of your life? Can you appreciate what freedom really means if you don’t think about it?
