For years, I've claimed freedom as my corest of internal drivers. Everything I do is geared toward securing my perception of freedom. I've always suspected there was something slightly flawed in that claim, but I didn't realize it was that freedom was never mine, not mine alone anyway.
I've been exploring a lot more art around this theme of individual freedom versus collective freedom. It's interesting how nuanced it gets the more you look. So many of us talk of freedom as individuals, but because of how inseparable we are from each other (non-dualism aside), freedom is starting to take a very different shape to this writer.
More to be explored for sure. PS, if you haven't had a chance to check out Andor on Disney+ yet, I can highly recommend it as a powerful exploration around similar themes.
Your most beautiful and poetic piece so far. Thank you for capturing with words what has been occupying my mind since the retreat but haven't been able to put into words...
Freedom and my need for it has definitely been a theme for me for the past few months and will continue to be, of that I'm certain.
I recognise snippets of our recent conversations. I love how they found their way into your beautiful post.
The description of Berlin, the contrast of total freedom existing alongside punishingly precise and orderly culture is striking.
I shall float on, moment by moment, however with less tension and contraction, thanks to Matt and the retreat.
I appreciate your kind words, Katerina. Our conversations over the last few weeks have definitely influenced what came through. I'm curious to see how the theme of freedom unfolds for you in this season you're in. I imagine there will be some expected and unexpected happenings along the way.
No point needed to be had 🫡 we enjoyed the stroll with you.
I'm glad you're experiencing Berlin in this way, it truly is a city of restriction (rules, laws, enforcement) in order to allow for freedom (artistic expression, performance) so it's the perfect setting for your discussion of the topic!
For years, I've claimed freedom as my corest of internal drivers. Everything I do is geared toward securing my perception of freedom. I've always suspected there was something slightly flawed in that claim, but I didn't realize it was that freedom was never mine, not mine alone anyway.
I've been exploring a lot more art around this theme of individual freedom versus collective freedom. It's interesting how nuanced it gets the more you look. So many of us talk of freedom as individuals, but because of how inseparable we are from each other (non-dualism aside), freedom is starting to take a very different shape to this writer.
More to be explored for sure. PS, if you haven't had a chance to check out Andor on Disney+ yet, I can highly recommend it as a powerful exploration around similar themes.
Inconnectedness is the more shallow end of the deeper pool of non-dualism. It's commonly discussed in Buddhist circles and seems to fit here.
But what you're pointing to—IMHO—is the bigger question: What do we even mean by "freedom?"
Margaret Atwood first introduced me to the simple split of "freedom from" versus "freedom to," but that's merely one pocket in a vast sea.
Perhaps we need more words for freedom.
(Yes, on Andor. The wedding celebration scenes in season two, oh my! What a fascinating inside view into the lives of real people in the universe.)
I'm even more interested in "what does it feel like to be free"? Would we know it if we were in it?
Not sure, but I imagine it's like most of what seems real. It's mostly, if not entirely, a story we're telling ourselves.
Ding ding ding
Your most beautiful and poetic piece so far. Thank you for capturing with words what has been occupying my mind since the retreat but haven't been able to put into words...
Freedom and my need for it has definitely been a theme for me for the past few months and will continue to be, of that I'm certain.
I recognise snippets of our recent conversations. I love how they found their way into your beautiful post.
The description of Berlin, the contrast of total freedom existing alongside punishingly precise and orderly culture is striking.
I shall float on, moment by moment, however with less tension and contraction, thanks to Matt and the retreat.
Thank you so much for this, my friend. 🙏
I appreciate your kind words, Katerina. Our conversations over the last few weeks have definitely influenced what came through. I'm curious to see how the theme of freedom unfolds for you in this season you're in. I imagine there will be some expected and unexpected happenings along the way.
No point needed to be had 🫡 we enjoyed the stroll with you.
I'm glad you're experiencing Berlin in this way, it truly is a city of restriction (rules, laws, enforcement) in order to allow for freedom (artistic expression, performance) so it's the perfect setting for your discussion of the topic!
Constant expansion and contraction. It's a really unique place. I'm grateful to be here.
Thanks for strolling by, friend. :)