True Freedom

When we launched New Insights Africa in 2007 and rebranded New Insights UK when the two businesses were brought together in 2012, we introduced three words which represent the aspiration we have for people who are exposed to our training and our coaching system:

FREEDOM – CONFIDENCE – GROWTH

Personal growth and self-fulfilment is, deep down, perhaps the highest need that we strive to meet as humans.

But we cannot hope to achieve this unless we are fully self aware, confident individuals.

And to become so we need to be free of all the limiting beliefs and negative emotions of fear, anger and resentment that plague us.

I’m sure you’ll agree that this notion of freedom is a little different from that which most people might associate with.

[box type=\”shadow\”]“True freedom is the capacity for acting according to one\’s true character, to be altogether one\’s self, to be self-determined and not subject to outside coercion.”

– Corliss Lamont[/box]

True freedom (continued)

 

Political, economic and religious freedom

Those of us who live in relatively developed democracies will think that we are free. Politically, our ‘freedom’ is enshrined in our bill of rights, our constitution or the principles on which our democracy is based.

Economically we are ‘free’ too. We live in a capitalist society where we are free to do the work of our choosing and those that work hard can reap the rewards of their labour. The ‘free’ market economy ensures that supply and demand, not dictatorial or bureaucratic regimes, sets fair prices and determine profits.

We also have freedom of choice as to whether we choose to follow or associate with a specific religion or cultural grouping and, if so, which ones.

Masters of our destinies?

We are masters of our destinies ‘free’ to live the great American dream, British dream, South African dream or whatever dream we like!

Or are we?

Willing slaves?

Michael Tellinger, in his fascinating book ‘Slave Species of the Gods’ claims that people of the Western world are in denial about the fact that they are enslaved economically, culturally and religiously.

“We are enslaved to our jobs, our banks and our governments,” he says.

The trap

Tellinger points out how conditioned we are into believing that success is equated with material possessions and therein lies the trap that enslaves us.

Material possessions require an abundance of money which most simply do not have access to forcing us to consider the use of credit cards or loans which enslave us to the financial institutions.

A good education, considered a sure fire way to achieve success, requires most ordinary people to take out large student loans, ensuring that they too are bound in to the banks or ‘generous’ employers who sponsor them.

Owning your own house, another ‘proven’ way to success, is a risky commitment for most people whose houses remain owned by the mortgage providers for most of their working lives.

Behaving like confused slaves

Tellinger rightly points out how ‘unfree’ most of us really are: “Basically our lives revolve around work and money. We behave like confused slaves on this planet, not knowing where we are going … why we are here … and who is really in control?”

It’s hardly any wonder then that the vast majority of us, though believing we live in a free world, don’t feel particularly free, deep down at heart, if we are to be completely honest with ourselves.

The problem is that the way we have conceptualised freedom leaves our ability to experience it almost wholly dependent on others.

True freedom

True freedom, I would argue, is something that can only come from within.

True freedom is a state of mind, rather than something that can be attributed to the environment within which we live, work and play.

True freedom comes from accepting the external world and all of its absurdities, injustices and contradictions and being at peace with yourself, knowing, that like nature, you are just perfect the way you are.

The Desiderata

For me, The Desiderata, written in 1927 by American writer Max Ehrmann, gets the message across just beautifully so I’d like to share it with you here:

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

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This is the official Blog for New Insights Life Coach Training.
Find out more about life coaching and becoming a life coach here:

SA/Africa: http://www.life-coach-training-sa.com

UK/Europe: http://www.life-coach-training-uk.com

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