Finding Freedom in Every Moment
Freedom isn’t just a state of mind. It’s something deeper, a quality of awareness that exists regardless of what’s going on in our heads. Often, we believe that true freedom comes from achieving a quiet mind or a peaceful state. But real freedom is about recognizing the space in which all these states arise and dissolve.
Imagine your mind is like a planet, a solid object within the vast space of consciousness. You might think, “My mind is so silent right now; I have no distractions.” But even in this stillness, there’s something more profound. Stillness itself is noticed by your awareness. So, instead of being fully absorbed in the silence and pretending it’s more sacred than chaos, you simply relax. You let the silence be, just as it is.
Your mind might be silent or chaotic; that’s not something you need to control. Whatever is happening in your mind is just what’s happening. Your only task is to notice that you exist within all of it. You are the open, empty awareness that notices these states. Stillness is just an appearance within this awareness. Silence is just an appearance.
This means that freedom isn’t about maintaining a particular state of mind. It’s about recognizing the open space of awareness that’s always present. Your only job is to let your present experience be as it is and notice the freedom within it.
This freedom is inseparable from whatever state your mind is in. It’s the spacious source from which all thoughts and emotions arise. So, whether your mind is peaceful or chaotic, you can find freedom in simply being aware. Let your thoughts and emotions be as they are. Your only job is to enjoy the open experience of it all.
This experience of freedom is ungraspable and mysterious. It’s about letting your experiences be as they are and realizing that they are inseparable from this free and open awareness. It’s always your choice to let your experience be as it is and recognize freedom right there and then, not after changing your state of mind.
Quote:
“Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Spiritual Reference:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
Summary Points:
- Freedom is not a state of mind to be achieved, but an ever-present awareness within us.
- Our thoughts and emotions are like objects within the vast space of consciousness.
- True freedom lies in recognizing this awareness and allowing our experiences to be as they are.
- We don’t need to change our state of mind to find freedom; it’s already here.
Actions:
- Notice: Pay attention to the flow of your thoughts and emotions without judgment.
- Recognize: Become aware of the open space of awareness that holds your entire experience.
- Allow: Let go of the need to control or change your experience; simply let it be.
- Embrace: Embrace all aspects of your experience, recognizing that even chaos is held within a boundless awareness that is always free.
- Practice: Cultivate mindfulness and present moment awareness to deepen your connection with this inherent freedom.
Dive Deeper Into the Video:
The concept of freedom often takes on a profound significance. Yet, we must recognize that freedom is not a mere state of mind; it transcends the fluctuations of our mental states. It is not tethered to the ebb and flow of our thoughts, emotions, or external circumstances. True freedom is found in the vast expanse of consciousness, where everything arises and subsides.
Instead of becoming engrossed in the stillness or chaos of our minds, we are invited to simply be. In this moment of presence, we can witness the emptiness and openness that is always there, regardless of the state of our mind. It is akin to a limitless space within, an object within consciousness. By acknowledging this spaciousness, we transform it from a state of mind into a profound recognition of our inherent freedom.
We need not strive to attain a particular state of mind or suppress our thoughts and distractions. Our role is to embrace the current experience and allow it to unfold naturally. Whether our mind is silent or chaotic, our task is to rest in the awareness that observes it all. Stillness and silence are appearances within this vast field of consciousness, not the ultimate markers of sacredness. By surrendering to the present moment, we align with the unchanging freedom that permeates all states of mind.
Every state of mind, irrespective of its nature, arises from the same source: the boundless and open cognizance that defines our awareness. It is through the spark of recognition that we infuse our present state of mind with the essence of freedom. Remember, it is not our duty to be a particular state of mind at any given time. Instead, we are encouraged to let our experiences unfold naturally while recognizing the spaciousness within which they manifest.
Allow your thoughts and emotions to be as they are. Permit your state of mind to exist without interference. Your sole responsibility is to revel in the ungraspable, ineffable experience of the present moment. Recognize that every experience arises within this vast, unbounded consciousness. By relinquishing the need to alter our state of mind, we find freedom in the very midst of our ever-changing experiences.
Let us choose to embrace the open and unbounded nature of our being. Surrendering to the present moment, we discover that freedom lies not in the alteration of our state of mind, but in the profound recognition of our true essence. In this realization, we find liberation and a profound sense of wholeness. So, as you embark on this journey, remember that true freedom awaits you when you relinquish the need to change and simply allow the present experience to unfold in all its infinite glory.