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Define your personal freedom.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

So how do you see freedom, being free? Do you weld together the rules and expectations of society with a little all out wild spirit? Im lucky. Without lockdown I rarely see anyone at all except my gf in the evenings. I rarely go into a shop or for that matter a town. I work amongst the trees and the streams and the hills. I eat or don t eat depending on my ldvel of hunger. I don t watch tv or media. I take no account of time at all. I dance. I write. In actual fact apart from the highway code I rarely have need of society rules.I ve carried on as normal throughout lockdown...working amongst my trees. Im probably as close to the old ways and how people lived than most people, certainly closer to nature than society. So how about you? Forget lockdown...how do you treat your freedom as many know the word but not its meaning or they gladly give it up to be a part of a click etc. Curious.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"So how do you see freedom, being free? Do you weld together the rules and expectations of society with a little all out wild spirit? Im lucky. Without lockdown I rarely see anyone at all except my gf in the evenings. I rarely go into a shop or for that matter a town. I work amongst the trees and the streams and the hills. I eat or don t eat depending on my ldvel of hunger. I don t watch tv or media. I take no account of time at all. I dance. I write. In actual fact apart from the highway code I rarely have need of society rules.I ve carried on as normal throughout lockdown...working amongst my trees. Im probably as close to the old ways and how people lived than most people, certainly closer to nature than society. So how about you? Forget lockdown...how do you treat your freedom as many know the word but not its meaning or they gladly give it up to be a part of a click etc. Curious. "

Kudos mate, that type of lifestyle must do wonders for your soul.

I'm unfortunately balls deep in the rat race, working a job amongst other similar people who, like me, are dancing to the tune our employers just to be able to put food on the table and afford a luxury or 2. A treat for me might be a pint out amongst other folk as socialising is embedded in me as a requirement for a normal and happy life. When infact, I love my own company mostly and get more out of myself with regular alone time and self reflection.

Society might consider a man like you somewhat of a loner which, by societies thinking, might be a bad thing as we should all love to be with our peers 24/7. Social media has tethered us to each other so now we are never truly alone. Some people aspire to be like their favourite celebrity, to look and act like them and thus individuality shrinks drastically.

I'm jealous of your lifestyle pal, you do things at your pace and for no one else but you and it must keep you truly at peace with yourself

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By *lint-EverhardMan
over a year ago

Perpignan and cap

You can chain the man but you can't chain his mind.

I've lived a similar lifestyle as yours OP but I couldn't do it indefinitely.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"So how do you see freedom, being free? Do you weld together the rules and expectations of society with a little all out wild spirit? Im lucky. Without lockdown I rarely see anyone at all except my gf in the evenings. I rarely go into a shop or for that matter a town. I work amongst the trees and the streams and the hills. I eat or don t eat depending on my ldvel of hunger. I don t watch tv or media. I take no account of time at all. I dance. I write. In actual fact apart from the highway code I rarely have need of society rules.I ve carried on as normal throughout lockdown...working amongst my trees. Im probably as close to the old ways and how people lived than most people, certainly closer to nature than society. So how about you? Forget lockdown...how do you treat your freedom as many know the word but not its meaning or they gladly give it up to be a part of a click etc. Curious.

Kudos mate, that type of lifestyle must do wonders for your soul.

I'm unfortunately balls deep in the rat race, working a job amongst other similar people who, like me, are dancing to the tune our employers just to be able to put food on the table and afford a luxury or 2. A treat for me might be a pint out amongst other folk as socialising is embedded in me as a requirement for a normal and happy life. When infact, I love my own company mostly and get more out of myself with regular alone time and self reflection.

Society might consider a man like you somewhat of a loner which, by societies thinking, might be a bad thing as we should all love to be with our peers 24/7. Social media has tethered us to each other so now we are never truly alone. Some people aspire to be like their favourite celebrity, to look and act like them and thus individuality shrinks drastically.

I'm jealous of your lifestyle pal, you do things at your pace and for no one else but you and it must keep you truly at peace with yourself "

Hey great post..we should all spend time alone..no contact with the outside world, get to know ourselves..not just an hour...longer..get to know who we are, many are teying to fit in so much we forget who we are, really are. Mine was a hard road but I would not term it a breakdown but it was a breakthrough..all the stuff that my memory had protected me from. But strangely each one a lesson in some way.I love your post, alas the rat race is a necessity for most but its good you find time alone. Society I think sees me as an outcast for many loners still have media links etc, they still hook into society through online shopping or time itself..calendars, watches..I ve not worked a day in 3 years..I love going to work, putting smiles on peoples faces but leaving at the end of the job, quietly, without thanks or fanfare, something I find embarrassing. Keep having your me time..tis good for the soul.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I always your posts.

So beautifully written. Your way of living is a wonderful one, and must nourish your heart and soul. You’re very fortunate

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"You can chain the man but you can't chain his mind.

I've lived a similar lifestyle as yours OP but I couldn't do it indefinitely.

"

Not many can truly live this life. I read a book of a man that lived 30 years in a forest den..spoke one word "hi" in 30 years. People asked him how he didn t get bored, just sitting doing nothing. His answer was " only people programmed to be busy get bored as their minds are programmed to always being busy". On the flip side though how do you feel freedom as it comes in many forms and being alone etc isn t everyones freedom. Freedom is how you feel happiest. Truly happy..you yourself not what you believe others expect is right for you.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I always your posts.

So beautifully written. Your way of living is a wonderful one, and must nourish your heart and soul. You’re very fortunate "

I bless each and every day but it has only been so good for 3 years and it was a hard fought war of many battles to get here, to find me. So hippychick..what is your definition of freedom...when you look deep inside...what freedom sends your soul soaring into the air, singing and dancing and laughing.

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By *wisted999Man
over a year ago

North Bucks

You should embrace a tiny bit of technology OP and do your own outdoorsman You tube channel. People love to live vicariously through others I watch several when I’m sat in the office.

If it’s popular enough you could earn a little cash out

of it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I always your posts.

So beautifully written. Your way of living is a wonderful one, and must nourish your heart and soul. You’re very fortunate

I bless each and every day but it has only been so good for 3 years and it was a hard fought war of many battles to get here, to find me. So hippychick..what is your definition of freedom...when you look deep inside...what freedom sends your soul soaring into the air, singing and dancing and laughing. "

I am, of course constrained by the norms, work, school run, kids ...., but I’m very lucky to live in the countryside.

Walking through the fields and woods, watching the kites and buzzards wheel and soar in the sky above me, or sitting next to the stream and listening to the water.

Gathering with beautiful friends, sharing and being supported and accepted for who and what I am comes to mind too

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

You see my gf has total freedom to do what she wants, when she wants with whom she wants and yet the freedom, her greatest " freedom" is with her gfs and yet they have formed a click, each believing they are wild and free but in actual fact there are so many rules but they don t see them. They say they are wild and equal, no rules and yet I see they all cowtow to an alpha, they bite there tongue so as not to upset that alpha. What Im saying here is have you truly looked at what you believe is free and wild and spirited only to find bindings, chains, rules..all self inflicted and equally not acknowledged? When you socialise with your tegulars do you actually find yourself free or is it an accepted pretence..tolerating something because its expected..do you get my drift? These are great days for reflection on oneself.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

So 24.5 years ago I set up my own business after 10 years as an employee. That was liberating as I have been able to travel the world, meeting thousands of wonderful people, doing work that I love. However that afforded me a lifestyle that in a way is a constraint as the pandemic has shown. And I now need to reinvent my work for a post-pandemic world. As I walk out my back door I’m able to get close to nature in a beautiful garden and I’m very close to the most beautiful parts of North West England and the freedom of natural beauty. As I walk out of my front door I walk into suburbia and the trappings of hyper-consumerism. And so I sit in a continual tension between working to live the life I’ve had and living a life I’d love even more. Retiring from this is on the horizon, but letting go won’t be easy. The only constraints to my freedom in reality though are in my head and heart.

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By *adMerWoman
over a year ago

Sandwich


"So how do you see freedom, being free? Do you weld together the rules and expectations of society with a little all out wild spirit? Im lucky. Without lockdown I rarely see anyone at all except my gf in the evenings. I rarely go into a shop or for that matter a town. I work amongst the trees and the streams and the hills. I eat or don t eat depending on my ldvel of hunger. I don t watch tv or media. I take no account of time at all. I dance. I write. In actual fact apart from the highway code I rarely have need of society rules.I ve carried on as normal throughout lockdown...working amongst my trees. Im probably as close to the old ways and how people lived than most people, certainly closer to nature than society. So how about you? Forget lockdown...how do you treat your freedom as many know the word but not its meaning or they gladly give it up to be a part of a click etc. Curious. "

Freedom for me has been accepting that I am better off not being in a relationship. I go where I want when I want. See whoever I please whenever I please. Do what I want when I want to. Yes I have to work to pay my bills, but I mostly enjoy my job as a carer. I also love to garden so lockdown has actually freed me from feeling torn between my need to see friends and family and my need to spend time gardening.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"So how do you see freedom, being free? Do you weld together the rules and expectations of society with a little all out wild spirit? Im lucky. Without lockdown I rarely see anyone at all except my gf in the evenings. I rarely go into a shop or for that matter a town. I work amongst the trees and the streams and the hills. I eat or don t eat depending on my ldvel of hunger. I don t watch tv or media. I take no account of time at all. I dance. I write. In actual fact apart from the highway code I rarely have need of society rules.I ve carried on as normal throughout lockdown...working amongst my trees. Im probably as close to the old ways and how people lived than most people, certainly closer to nature than society. So how about you? Forget lockdown...how do you treat your freedom as many know the word but not its meaning or they gladly give it up to be a part of a click etc. Curious.

Kudos mate, that type of lifestyle must do wonders for your soul.

I'm unfortunately balls deep in the rat race, working a job amongst other similar people who, like me, are dancing to the tune our employers just to be able to put food on the table and afford a luxury or 2. A treat for me might be a pint out amongst other folk as socialising is embedded in me as a requirement for a normal and happy life. When infact, I love my own company mostly and get more out of myself with regular alone time and self reflection.

Society might consider a man like you somewhat of a loner which, by societies thinking, might be a bad thing as we should all love to be with our peers 24/7. Social media has tethered us to each other so now we are never truly alone. Some people aspire to be like their favourite celebrity, to look and act like them and thus individuality shrinks drastically.

I'm jealous of your lifestyle pal, you do things at your pace and for no one else but you and it must keep you truly at peace with yourself

Hey great post..we should all spend time alone..no contact with the outside world, get to know ourselves..not just an hour...longer..get to know who we are, many are teying to fit in so much we forget who we are, really are. Mine was a hard road but I would not term it a breakdown but it was a breakthrough..all the stuff that my memory had protected me from. But strangely each one a lesson in some way.I love your post, alas the rat race is a necessity for most but its good you find time alone. Society I think sees me as an outcast for many loners still have media links etc, they still hook into society through online shopping or time itself..calendars, watches..I ve not worked a day in 3 years..I love going to work, putting smiles on peoples faces but leaving at the end of the job, quietly, without thanks or fanfare, something I find embarrassing. Keep having your me time..tis good for the soul. "

Your posts and threads put a smile on my face and are always great to read. You paint a picture of serenity and a bond with nature that I'm envious of

I've found a balance between time for me and time for everyone else, but it's really a knife edge because every day brings new challenges that might pull me more in one direction or the other. As it is I like a challenge as it keeps me on my toes but I know I have a tipping point and sometimes I might get close and start to falter and then its others I depend on for some support. It's more often than not other people who create my challenges though.

Life is funny when you stop and give it some real thought and, again, this another reason why I love your threads as they are always thought provoking

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"You should embrace a tiny bit of technology OP and do your own outdoorsman You tube channel. People love to live vicariously through others I watch several when I’m sat in the office.

If it’s popular enough you could earn a little cash out

of it. "

Ah but see instead of the watching would it not be better, more enjoyable to find a quiet spot, somewhere private and do for yourself. Could be taking a stove out in the car and finding a spot or grab a rucksack and lose oneself. I did once start a blog at someones request but quit with social media as someone dragged political stuff into it so I quit it. As for money..nah, hate the stuff..my gf deals with all my money because it forms a pat of my ptsd..long story but I hate it. Cant remember last time I looked at my account. Hate the stuff.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I always your posts.

So beautifully written. Your way of living is a wonderful one, and must nourish your heart and soul. You’re very fortunate

I bless each and every day but it has only been so good for 3 years and it was a hard fought war of many battles to get here, to find me. So hippychick..what is your definition of freedom...when you look deep inside...what freedom sends your soul soaring into the air, singing and dancing and laughing.

I am, of course constrained by the norms, work, school run, kids ...., but I’m very lucky to live in the countryside.

Walking through the fields and woods, watching the kites and buzzards wheel and soar in the sky above me, or sitting next to the stream and listening to the water.

Gathering with beautiful friends, sharing and being supported and accepted for who and what I am comes to mind too "

Work is what we are bound to in order to survive but the rest of it sounds beautiful. You see I wish I had children, I have no family of my own and that is something that bites me in the ass..didn t realise I wanted kids til 3 years ago as I was raging against my past til my breakthrough..so we all have something that was or is out of reach. I cant think of anything more beautiful than watching your children grow. Enjoy that beautiful life of yours. Xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

In terms of freedom from society, I've very much caught up in it all but it actually helps keep me sane. As for my own freedom, I'm still working on that one.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"So 24.5 years ago I set up my own business after 10 years as an employee. That was liberating as I have been able to travel the world, meeting thousands of wonderful people, doing work that I love. However that afforded me a lifestyle that in a way is a constraint as the pandemic has shown. And I now need to reinvent my work for a post-pandemic world. As I walk out my back door I’m able to get close to nature in a beautiful garden and I’m very close to the most beautiful parts of North West England and the freedom of natural beauty. As I walk out of my front door I walk into suburbia and the trappings of hyper-consumerism. And so I sit in a continual tension between working to live the life I’ve had and living a life I’d love even more. Retiring from this is on the horizon, but letting go won’t be easy. The only constraints to my freedom in reality though are in my head and heart."

Hey if I was to dance an abstract dance showing a life of society and comfort and one of basic living but in a beautiful serene canvas of nature then your front and back door would be the perfect representation.You ll find a way, you re a smart guy that knows what makes you happy and feeling good. Most constraints of humankind are generally found within their individual hearts and minds..its having the strength to face them, alter them or remove them as theres often a price..but you know all that and have done it before, so crack on mate..you ll figure it out, whats right for you in the now.

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By *inky pWoman
over a year ago

leicester

My freedom is not doing time as often as i can.an sitting in my shed in the garden,feeding an listening to the birds.watching the clouds roll bye.painting,having music on an singing while the birds come an join me.you dont have to be a million miles away to find peace an comfort.no tv,no wifi,just beautiful.an 1 day ill get my dream space in the wilderness to enjoy mother nature at her finest.love an light to you all x

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"So how do you see freedom, being free? Do you weld together the rules and expectations of society with a little all out wild spirit? Im lucky. Without lockdown I rarely see anyone at all except my gf in the evenings. I rarely go into a shop or for that matter a town. I work amongst the trees and the streams and the hills. I eat or don t eat depending on my ldvel of hunger. I don t watch tv or media. I take no account of time at all. I dance. I write. In actual fact apart from the highway code I rarely have need of society rules.I ve carried on as normal throughout lockdown...working amongst my trees. Im probably as close to the old ways and how people lived than most people, certainly closer to nature than society. So how about you? Forget lockdown...how do you treat your freedom as many know the word but not its meaning or they gladly give it up to be a part of a click etc. Curious.

Kudos mate, that type of lifestyle must do wonders for your soul.

I'm unfortunately balls deep in the rat race, working a job amongst other similar people who, like me, are dancing to the tune our employers just to be able to put food on the table and afford a luxury or 2. A treat for me might be a pint out amongst other folk as socialising is embedded in me as a requirement for a normal and happy life. When infact, I love my own company mostly and get more out of myself with regular alone time and self reflection.

Society might consider a man like you somewhat of a loner which, by societies thinking, might be a bad thing as we should all love to be with our peers 24/7. Social media has tethered us to each other so now we are never truly alone. Some people aspire to be like their favourite celebrity, to look and act like them and thus individuality shrinks drastically.

I'm jealous of your lifestyle pal, you do things at your pace and for no one else but you and it must keep you truly at peace with yourself

Hey great post..we should all spend time alone..no contact with the outside world, get to know ourselves..not just an hour...longer..get to know who we are, many are teying to fit in so much we forget who we are, really are. Mine was a hard road but I would not term it a breakdown but it was a breakthrough..all the stuff that my memory had protected me from. But strangely each one a lesson in some way.I love your post, alas the rat race is a necessity for most but its good you find time alone. Society I think sees me as an outcast for many loners still have media links etc, they still hook into society through online shopping or time itself..calendars, watches..I ve not worked a day in 3 years..I love going to work, putting smiles on peoples faces but leaving at the end of the job, quietly, without thanks or fanfare, something I find embarrassing. Keep having your me time..tis good for the soul.

Your posts and threads put a smile on my face and are always great to read. You paint a picture of serenity and a bond with nature that I'm envious of

I've found a balance between time for me and time for everyone else, but it's really a knife edge because every day brings new challenges that might pull me more in one direction or the other. As it is I like a challenge as it keeps me on my toes but I know I have a tipping point and sometimes I might get close and start to falter and then its others I depend on for some support. It's more often than not other people who create my challenges though.

Life is funny when you stop and give it some real thought and, again, this another reason why I love your threads as they are always thought provoking "

I ve recently been accepted into a professional dance company..Im a wordsmith so I find definition of reality easy but normally in a poetic way. My dances to date have been credited as being great but then they laid a challenge at my door. Dance abstract, see how you handle it. I started to walk away..me? Abstract, not a chance! But now Im thinking you know what, I can do this. Challenges are mostly presented to us by others, not necessarily as the above. It maybe you have a good friend but they have a friend you don t get on with, what do you do? Its the daily challenge of being around others. Sometimes others can help with these challenges but for me personally I have to solve them for myself. Too many times I ve been stuck in bad situations with no one to turn to so I soon learned not to turn on others..in so doing you have to remember you are getting anothers opinion, another that sees life differently so you must first ask yourself..is this the right person. The man 30 years in the forest was asked how he never got ill or challenged or depressed..his answer " only mixing with others brings those problems". Like age...they never come alone lol.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"So 24.5 years ago I set up my own business after 10 years as an employee. That was liberating as I have been able to travel the world, meeting thousands of wonderful people, doing work that I love. However that afforded me a lifestyle that in a way is a constraint as the pandemic has shown. And I now need to reinvent my work for a post-pandemic world. As I walk out my back door I’m able to get close to nature in a beautiful garden and I’m very close to the most beautiful parts of North West England and the freedom of natural beauty. As I walk out of my front door I walk into suburbia and the trappings of hyper-consumerism. And so I sit in a continual tension between working to live the life I’ve had and living a life I’d love even more. Retiring from this is on the horizon, but letting go won’t be easy. The only constraints to my freedom in reality though are in my head and heart.

Hey if I was to dance an abstract dance showing a life of society and comfort and one of basic living but in a beautiful serene canvas of nature then your front and back door would be the perfect representation.You ll find a way, you re a smart guy that knows what makes you happy and feeling good. Most constraints of humankind are generally found within their individual hearts and minds..its having the strength to face them, alter them or remove them as theres often a price..but you know all that and have done it before, so crack on mate..you ll figure it out, whats right for you in the now. "

I think that sums up where I am quite well. I have no doubt I’ll discover what I need now as my life has tendEd to unfold quite naturally when I‘ve let it. Your dance of my two worlds sounds A fascinating idea.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"My freedom is not doing time as often as i can.an sitting in my shed in the garden,feeding an listening to the birds.watching the clouds roll bye.painting,having music on an singing while the birds come an join me.you dont have to be a million miles away to find peace an comfort.no tv,no wifi,just beautiful.an 1 day ill get my dream space in the wilderness to enjoy mother nature at her finest.love an light to you all x"

Sheer heaven..enjoy..as you suggest..free and wild can be a garden shed and no phones etc. I used to teach the same of adventure and exploration. I d be asked about mine, so I d take a stone from the beach and a hammer and say do you want to see something amazing. The kids would gather around and I d split the rock. They d look at me blank. Then I d say do you realise you are the first to see this in millions of years..no one but had seen it before..then I d tell how the stone formed. Freedom, wilderness, peace..it is something our minds can create no matter our location. Enjoy.x

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"So 24.5 years ago I set up my own business after 10 years as an employee. That was liberating as I have been able to travel the world, meeting thousands of wonderful people, doing work that I love. However that afforded me a lifestyle that in a way is a constraint as the pandemic has shown. And I now need to reinvent my work for a post-pandemic world. As I walk out my back door I’m able to get close to nature in a beautiful garden and I’m very close to the most beautiful parts of North West England and the freedom of natural beauty. As I walk out of my front door I walk into suburbia and the trappings of hyper-consumerism. And so I sit in a continual tension between working to live the life I’ve had and living a life I’d love even more. Retiring from this is on the horizon, but letting go won’t be easy. The only constraints to my freedom in reality though are in my head and heart.

Hey if I was to dance an abstract dance showing a life of society and comfort and one of basic living but in a beautiful serene canvas of nature then your front and back door would be the perfect representation.You ll find a way, you re a smart guy that knows what makes you happy and feeling good. Most constraints of humankind are generally found within their individual hearts and minds..its having the strength to face them, alter them or remove them as theres often a price..but you know all that and have done it before, so crack on mate..you ll figure it out, whats right for you in the now.

I think that sums up where I am quite well. I have no doubt I’ll discover what I need now as my life has tendEd to unfold quite naturally when I‘ve let it. Your dance of my two worlds sounds A fascinating idea."

Axtually I was thinking the same..now looking for two doorways onto two worlds

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"In terms of freedom from society, I've very much caught up in it all but it actually helps keep me sane. As for my own freedom, I'm still working on that one. "

Hey you x stop working on them...just be. In other words the more you think the more your brain is forced to think what about this or that or them. So dont work on it. Just sit or walk..contemplate but not think, reflect but don t "try". It will come naturally..honestly xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Personal freedom for me is being where I need to be to be content both in my head and in the physical world around me. You have your amazing forests but I need to see beautiful architecture, have a job where I feel I’m making a difference to the lives of others and quite simply people. I love your posts and your outlooks as they make me smile and reflect in my own, si thank you

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By *ilsaGeorgeCouple
over a year ago

kent

Like most people, I exist as part of a wider society. I don’t do social media, I avoid the news and television, and I am not caught up in the rat race, but nevertheless I am a part of multiple overlapping structures... a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a friend, a lover. Some people might find this binding and constricting, but I do not. I think it depends on how you define freedom. To live without responsibility doesn’t always make you free. I love my responsibilities, I couldn’t imagine living without them.

What do I consider freedom comes in two ways. The first is easy to define, it is my creative work - writing mostly - where self expression has no limits. There are no rules in my imagination. Everything is possible.

The second is harder to describe, and this will probably sound like pretentious crap, but I’ll try anyway. It is the freedom from the negative aspects of ego. I feel no need to be validated by others. I don’t crave attention, I don’t need to be accepted, I am never tempted to negotiate my morals in order to flatter my vanity or somebody else’s ego, I am not insecure and I’m not afraid of or threatened by people. Quite often we build our own prisons. We wall ourselves in behind layers of ego and insecurity and falsehoods... there can be no freedom in life when you’re imprisoned by ego.

I’ve worked hard over the last few years to live in a different way, not out there in society, but here inside me. Today I have more responsibilities than I’ve ever had, but I feel more freedom than I’ve ever felt.

No idea if any of that makes sense OP, but I hope you know what I mean x

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

My personal freedom is limited by certain responsibilities that I have or had.

I, together with my partner had two children who needed various things which required both of us to give up certain freedoms in exchange for others. Now that our kids are grown up we've bought a new type of freedom with the proceeds of those years which is somewhat limited by the free choice to care for my parents. Freedom is a state of mind in my opinion, physical freedom is down to the responsibilities you have.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Like most people, I exist as part of a wider society. I don’t do social media, I avoid the news and television, and I am not caught up in the rat race, but nevertheless I am a part of multiple overlapping structures... a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a friend, a lover. Some people might find this binding and constricting, but I do not. I think it depends on how you define freedom. To live without responsibility doesn’t always make you free. I love my responsibilities, I couldn’t imagine living without them.

What do I consider freedom comes in two ways. The first is easy to define, it is my creative work - writing mostly - where self expression has no limits. There are no rules in my imagination. Everything is possible.

The second is harder to describe, and this will probably sound like pretentious crap, but I’ll try anyway. It is the freedom from the negative aspects of ego. I feel no need to be validated by others. I don’t crave attention, I don’t need to be accepted, I am never tempted to negotiate my morals in order to flatter my vanity or somebody else’s ego, I am not insecure and I’m not afraid of or threatened by people. Quite often we build our own prisons. We wall ourselves in behind layers of ego and insecurity and falsehoods... there can be no freedom in life when you’re imprisoned by ego.

I’ve worked hard over the last few years to live in a different way, not out there in society, but here inside me. Today I have more responsibilities than I’ve ever had, but I feel more freedom than I’ve ever felt.

No idea if any of that makes sense OP, but I hope you know what I mean x"

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By *emorefridaCouple
over a year ago

La la land

My personal freedom is something I think a lot about. I think it's a series of choices one makes, your life sounds ideal to some but would be a nightmare to others.

I chose and considered the implications of having kids before having them. I don't it was taking away my personal freedom but experiencing the joy of having kids.

I have a massive passion for science and choose to follow that career rather than a life more similar to yours. That was my personal choice and that gave me my own sense of freedom. Think the idea of personal freedom varies a lot from person to person

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"In terms of freedom from society, I've very much caught up in it all but it actually helps keep me sane. As for my own freedom, I'm still working on that one.

Hey you x stop working on them...just be. In other words the more you think the more your brain is forced to think what about this or that or them. So dont work on it. Just sit or walk..contemplate but not think, reflect but don t "try". It will come naturally..honestly xx "

Agree completely and not the first time I've been told that either. Unfortunately my head has other ideas at times. I have no control over my grief or the meltdowns that follow but I'm getting better at coping with them, riding it out and relying on that one thing that everyone says heals 'time' it's hard going but I'll get there, baby steps. I'm lucky enough to have people around me that have a hell of a lot more faith in me than i have in myself right now, which helps massively.

The one place I am truly free, is my writing. That's my safe space.

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By *a LunaWoman
over a year ago

South

My freedom (as i saw it then) went out the window the moment i had children and my mum lost her mobility.

Before that i was pretty selfish, i had a good job in Cardiff that paid exceedingly well. I had my own home and was free to buy what i wanted when i wanted. I could go where i wanted, when i wanted. Holidays abroad, gym memberships, fancy hairdressers etc.

But meeting my ex and having children meant i ended up leaving my well paid job (as fate would have it - they were making redundancies) And taking a much lower paid job to fit in around child care.

Then I ended up a single parent and my spare cash went to buy things for my bambinos. My time was never my own.

My mum needed help so i made the decision to sell up and we moved in with her.

Now i am a single mum and a part time carer. My freedom (my free time - 100% time to myself) is extremely limited and this is something i have had to accept and something i struggle with, i won’t lie. My mental health means I need a bit of “me” time alone to just be.

However, i’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I am far happier now with my gorgeous children and my mum. They all inspire me. They make me try to be a better person and a less selfish person.

So instead of having me time on a beach in Greece, i now get it walking the dog or sitting in our garden with a coffee, listening to the birds.

My life is more chaotic, stripped back and basic now, but i’ve learn’t that i’m adaptable and an incredibly strong person deep down. And that’s something that isn’t to be sniffed at!

What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"So how do you see freedom, being free? Do you weld together the rules and expectations of society with a little all out wild spirit? Im lucky. Without lockdown I rarely see anyone at all except my gf in the evenings. I rarely go into a shop or for that matter a town. I work amongst the trees and the streams and the hills. I eat or don t eat depending on my ldvel of hunger. I don t watch tv or media. I take no account of time at all. I dance. I write. In actual fact apart from the highway code I rarely have need of society rules.I ve carried on as normal throughout lockdown...working amongst my trees. Im probably as close to the old ways and how people lived than most people, certainly closer to nature than society. So how about you? Forget lockdown...how do you treat your freedom as many know the word but not its meaning or they gladly give it up to be a part of a click etc. Curious.

Kudos mate, that type of lifestyle must do wonders for your soul.

I'm unfortunately balls deep in the rat race, working a job amongst other similar people who, like me, are dancing to the tune our employers just to be able to put food on the table and afford a luxury or 2. A treat for me might be a pint out amongst other folk as socialising is embedded in me as a requirement for a normal and happy life. When infact, I love my own company mostly and get more out of myself with regular alone time and self reflection.

Society might consider a man like you somewhat of a loner which, by societies thinking, might be a bad thing as we should all love to be with our peers 24/7. Social media has tethered us to each other so now we are never truly alone. Some people aspire to be like their favourite celebrity, to look and act like them and thus individuality shrinks drastically.

I'm jealous of your lifestyle pal, you do things at your pace and for no one else but you and it must keep you truly at peace with yourself

Hey great post..we should all spend time alone..no contact with the outside world, get to know ourselves..not just an hour...longer..get to know who we are, many are teying to fit in so much we forget who we are, really are. Mine was a hard road but I would not term it a breakdown but it was a breakthrough..all the stuff that my memory had protected me from. But strangely each one a lesson in some way.I love your post, alas the rat race is a necessity for most but its good you find time alone. Society I think sees me as an outcast for many loners still have media links etc, they still hook into society through online shopping or time itself..calendars, watches..I ve not worked a day in 3 years..I love going to work, putting smiles on peoples faces but leaving at the end of the job, quietly, without thanks or fanfare, something I find embarrassing. Keep having your me time..tis good for the soul.

Your posts and threads put a smile on my face and are always great to read. You paint a picture of serenity and a bond with nature that I'm envious of

I've found a balance between time for me and time for everyone else, but it's really a knife edge because every day brings new challenges that might pull me more in one direction or the other. As it is I like a challenge as it keeps me on my toes but I know I have a tipping point and sometimes I might get close and start to falter and then its others I depend on for some support. It's more often than not other people who create my challenges though.

Life is funny when you stop and give it some real thought and, again, this another reason why I love your threads as they are always thought provoking

I ve recently been accepted into a professional dance company..Im a wordsmith so I find definition of reality easy but normally in a poetic way. My dances to date have been credited as being great but then they laid a challenge at my door. Dance abstract, see how you handle it. I started to walk away..me? Abstract, not a chance! But now Im thinking you know what, I can do this. Challenges are mostly presented to us by others, not necessarily as the above. It maybe you have a good friend but they have a friend you don t get on with, what do you do? Its the daily challenge of being around others. Sometimes others can help with these challenges but for me personally I have to solve them for myself. Too many times I ve been stuck in bad situations with no one to turn to so I soon learned not to turn on others..in so doing you have to remember you are getting anothers opinion, another that sees life differently so you must first ask yourself..is this the right person. The man 30 years in the forest was asked how he never got ill or challenged or depressed..his answer " only mixing with others brings those problems". Like age...they never come alone lol. "

Wise words my friend

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

I'm not incredibly free though have had more time in my life when I was. My rural childhood was free-spirited, roaming the wilds, growing my own things and learning how to live amongst the natural world.

Like many here, I'm comfortable with myself. I'm used to spending a couple of months or more travelling alone around the world, also enjoying nature as much as I can. But I'm bounded by convention, the rules for immigration etc as well as financial controls - our financial system is abstract and totally controlled, with the direction being towards 100% non-physical money.

Ops lifestyle sounds wonderful

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My personal freedom is limited but hard fought, I won't ever be truly free from parental constraints and being diagnosed with a condition that puts barriers on how i live day to day has made doing lockdown a bit of a doddle, in that I hardly had to change my (or my sons) routine ..

I fought for freedom whilst living in an abusive marriage for almost 8 yrs but now I've been out of it for longer than I was in it, and I was able to escape to a beautiful part of the world..

I still feel slightly guilty about how much personal freedom i manage to achieve but its usually being able to get out for a walk along the river or out into the forest and long may it continue

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My personal freedom is all inside my head. It's mine, it's personal! Any other "freedom" is dependent on the will of others and therefore it's not personal, unless I put up a big fence and even then I'd need others to help make the raw materials to build the fence or a computer program to operate the business who sold me the wood to build the fence. Once a person recognises this and stops trying too win or take the freedom from others, they're truly FREE imho....

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By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex


"My personal freedom is all inside my head. It's mine, it's personal! Any other "freedom" is dependent on the will of others and therefore it's not personal, unless I put up a big fence and even then I'd need others to help make the raw materials to build the fence or a computer program to operate the business who sold me the wood to build the fence. Once a person recognises this and stops trying too win or take the freedom from others, they're truly FREE imho.... "

And IMHO too

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By *rincess peachWoman
over a year ago

shits creek

My freedom:

Being brave enough to say no, enough is enough.

When, instead of continuing down a path that intravenously feeds insecurities and self doubt, it's following a different one.

Facing reality instead of a dream, but understanding that dream hasn't been given up on, it will simply be dreamt a different night.

Standing side by side with myself in the name of integrity, compassion and consideration for myself and others, when at the time it may seem like it's detriment to myself because I know I'll lose something I love dearly, when in fact it's the complete opposite. It's not detrimental to me, it's my freedom. It's my truth.

Believing in myself is my freedom

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"My freedom:

Being brave enough to say no, enough is enough.

When, instead of continuing down a path that intravenously feeds insecurities and self doubt, it's following a different one.

Facing reality instead of a dream, but understanding that dream hasn't been given up on, it will simply be dreamt a different night.

Standing side by side with myself in the name of integrity, compassion and consideration for myself and others, when at the time it may seem like it's detriment to myself because I know I'll lose something I love dearly, when in fact it's the complete opposite. It's not detrimental to me, it's my freedom. It's my truth.

Believing in myself is my freedom "

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By *latinumkittenWoman
over a year ago

from Home Counties to Middle Earth

Having not had this for many years until recently, I've come to appreciate my freedom includes -

being able to sleep peacefully through the night and waking when I'm ready;

speaking openly;

enjoying time with friends and family;

enjoying quietness and solitude;

eating what I want to eat;

wearing things I enjoy wearing;

smiling...

Things I used to take for granted.

I run my own company, so in every respect (other than with the children), I can do exactly as I please. Although anyone in this situation knows, it's not as freedom giving as it might appear. I can work my own hours though and I love what I do. I travel. I meet people. I bring joy to the lives of others, with what I do. Yeah, I could do with a bit more money, but that isn't a way to freedom, that's a comfort/experiential thing.

Freedom in my mind, comes wholly from the bonds by which we live - physically, spiritually and emotionally. Right now, I am free whatever is going on around me, wherever I am.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Personal freedom for me is being where I need to be to be content both in my head and in the physical world around me. You have your amazing forests but I need to see beautiful architecture, have a job where I feel I’m making a difference to the lives of others and quite simply people. I love your posts and your outlooks as they make me smile and reflect in my own, si thank you "

Excuse delayed reply...late finish at work. I love architecture just not the milling throngs of people lol. I hope you re well, glad I make you smile

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By *mmabluTV/TS
over a year ago

upton wirral


"So how do you see freedom, being free? Do you weld together the rules and expectations of society with a little all out wild spirit? Im lucky. Without lockdown I rarely see anyone at all except my gf in the evenings. I rarely go into a shop or for that matter a town. I work amongst the trees and the streams and the hills. I eat or don t eat depending on my ldvel of hunger. I don t watch tv or media. I take no account of time at all. I dance. I write. In actual fact apart from the highway code I rarely have need of society rules.I ve carried on as normal throughout lockdown...working amongst my trees. Im probably as close to the old ways and how people lived than most people, certainly closer to nature than society. So how about you? Forget lockdown...how do you treat your freedom as many know the word but not its meaning or they gladly give it up to be a part of a click etc. Curious. "
You are a lucky man

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Having not had this for many years until recently, I've come to appreciate my freedom includes -

being able to sleep peacefully through the night and waking when I'm ready;

speaking openly;

enjoying time with friends and family;

enjoying quietness and solitude;

eating what I want to eat;

wearing things I enjoy wearing;

smiling...

Things I used to take for granted.

I run my own company, so in every respect (other than with the children), I can do exactly as I please. Although anyone in this situation knows, it's not as freedom giving as it might appear. I can work my own hours though and I love what I do. I travel. I meet people. I bring joy to the lives of others, with what I do. Yeah, I could do with a bit more money, but that isn't a way to freedom, that's a comfort/experiential thing.

Freedom in my mind, comes wholly from the bonds by which we live - physically, spiritually and emotionally. Right now, I am free whatever is going on around me, wherever I am."

Beautiful..and so may it stay with you. Self employed often involves more hours than regular employment..there was a time on big contracts that i did 10 hour days plus and 7 days a week..but loved it.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"So how do you see freedom, being free? Do you weld together the rules and expectations of society with a little all out wild spirit? Im lucky. Without lockdown I rarely see anyone at all except my gf in the evenings. I rarely go into a shop or for that matter a town. I work amongst the trees and the streams and the hills. I eat or don t eat depending on my ldvel of hunger. I don t watch tv or media. I take no account of time at all. I dance. I write. In actual fact apart from the highway code I rarely have need of society rules.I ve carried on as normal throughout lockdown...working amongst my trees. Im probably as close to the old ways and how people lived than most people, certainly closer to nature than society. So how about you? Forget lockdown...how do you treat your freedom as many know the word but not its meaning or they gladly give it up to be a part of a click etc. Curious. You are a lucky man"

Oh I certainly am..howabout you..how do you feel freedom most?

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"My freedom:

Being brave enough to say no, enough is enough.

When, instead of continuing down a path that intravenously feeds insecurities and self doubt, it's following a different one.

Facing reality instead of a dream, but understanding that dream hasn't been given up on, it will simply be dreamt a different night.

Standing side by side with myself in the name of integrity, compassion and consideration for myself and others, when at the time it may seem like it's detriment to myself because I know I'll lose something I love dearly, when in fact it's the complete opposite. It's not detrimental to me, it's my freedom. It's my truth.

Believing in myself is my freedom "

Love this..embrace that freedom and hold onto it

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"My personal freedom is limited but hard fought, I won't ever be truly free from parental constraints and being diagnosed with a condition that puts barriers on how i live day to day has made doing lockdown a bit of a doddle, in that I hardly had to change my (or my sons) routine ..

I fought for freedom whilst living in an abusive marriage for almost 8 yrs but now I've been out of it for longer than I was in it, and I was able to escape to a beautiful part of the world..

I still feel slightly guilty about how much personal freedom i manage to achieve but its usually being able to get out for a walk along the river or out into the forest and long may it continue "

Its often the smallest of things that grant us the greatest freedoms...I hope your road runs as smoothly as it can be for life.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I'm not incredibly free though have had more time in my life when I was. My rural childhood was free-spirited, roaming the wilds, growing my own things and learning how to live amongst the natural world.

Like many here, I'm comfortable with myself. I'm used to spending a couple of months or more travelling alone around the world, also enjoying nature as much as I can. But I'm bounded by convention, the rules for immigration etc as well as financial controls - our financial system is abstract and totally controlled, with the direction being towards 100% non-physical money.

Ops lifestyle sounds wonderful "

So long as you find your laughs and your smiles and your freedom..what more can one ask for?

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"My personal freedom is all inside my head. It's mine, it's personal! Any other "freedom" is dependent on the will of others and therefore it's not personal, unless I put up a big fence and even then I'd need others to help make the raw materials to build the fence or a computer program to operate the business who sold me the wood to build the fence. Once a person recognises this and stops trying too win or take the freedom from others, they're truly FREE imho.... "

Love this...thanks for posting.

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By *P_80Man
over a year ago

Waterford

I realized a long time ago that apart from a few small luxuries I'm really not that into having lots of material things.

I've also no interest in marriage and kids, so with all that, I feel I don't need to be out there working the rounds of the clock just to pay the bills.

I quit the 40 hour week just over two years ago and now do two 12 hour shifts a week, rotating days and nights. Because of the industry it's still a decent paying job for 24 hours so no need to go on benefits either.

I have 5 days off a week and use them to pursue interests and hobbies that fulfill and satisfy my soul.

Freedom to me is getting to do the things you love and going to bed with a sense of excitement about the next day.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"My freedom (as i saw it then) went out the window the moment i had children and my mum lost her mobility.

Before that i was pretty selfish, i had a good job in Cardiff that paid exceedingly well. I had my own home and was free to buy what i wanted when i wanted. I could go where i wanted, when i wanted. Holidays abroad, gym memberships, fancy hairdressers etc.

But meeting my ex and having children meant i ended up leaving my well paid job (as fate would have it - they were making redundancies) And taking a much lower paid job to fit in around child care.

Then I ended up a single parent and my spare cash went to buy things for my bambinos. My time was never my own.

My mum needed help so i made the decision to sell up and we moved in with her.

Now i am a single mum and a part time carer. My freedom (my free time - 100% time to myself) is extremely limited and this is something i have had to accept and something i struggle with, i won’t lie. My mental health means I need a bit of “me” time alone to just be.

However, i’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I am far happier now with my gorgeous children and my mum. They all inspire me. They make me try to be a better person and a less selfish person.

So instead of having me time on a beach in Greece, i now get it walking the dog or sitting in our garden with a coffee, listening to the birds.

My life is more chaotic, stripped back and basic now, but i’ve learn’t that i’m adaptable and an incredibly strong person deep down. And that’s something that isn’t to be sniffed at!

What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.

"

So many thanks for posting this..I love it..obviously not your hardships but that you know yourself, even though it was not something you set out to do. Everything does happen for a reason, i see them as threads but thats another story. You could not remove anything from a past timeline without there being an effect..action/ reaction.so yes everything happens for a reason, it may not impact upon you but it will impact on someone or something. Take care eh...xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I realized a long time ago that apart from a few small luxuries I'm really not that into having lots of material things.

I've also no interest in marriage and kids, so with all that, I feel I don't need to be out there working the rounds of the clock just to pay the bills.

I quit the 40 hour week just over two years ago and now do two 12 hour shifts a week, rotating days and nights. Because of the industry it's still a decent paying job for 24 hours so no need to go on benefits either.

I have 5 days off a week and use them to pursue interests and hobbies that fulfill and satisfy my soul.

Freedom to me is getting to do the things you love and going to bed with a sense of excitement about the next day."

That sounds great..I love the going to bed with a sense of excitement..that is called LIFE. Enjoy buddy.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"In terms of freedom from society, I've very much caught up in it all but it actually helps keep me sane. As for my own freedom, I'm still working on that one.

Hey you x stop working on them...just be. In other words the more you think the more your brain is forced to think what about this or that or them. So dont work on it. Just sit or walk..contemplate but not think, reflect but don t "try". It will come naturally..honestly xx

Agree completely and not the first time I've been told that either. Unfortunately my head has other ideas at times. I have no control over my grief or the meltdowns that follow but I'm getting better at coping with them, riding it out and relying on that one thing that everyone says heals 'time' it's hard going but I'll get there, baby steps. I'm lucky enough to have people around me that have a hell of a lot more faith in me than i have in myself right now, which helps massively.

The one place I am truly free, is my writing. That's my safe space. "

Then keep writing..I ought to get teched up a bit so we can share our writings. Im writing constantly again and now a member of two dance companies am enjoying new dance forms such as abstract..I don t like abstract but the company want to see what my creative side can do when pushed. Look after yourself xx

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"My personal freedom is something I think a lot about. I think it's a series of choices one makes, your life sounds ideal to some but would be a nightmare to others.

I chose and considered the implications of having kids before having them. I don't it was taking away my personal freedom but experiencing the joy of having kids.

I have a massive passion for science and choose to follow that career rather than a life more similar to yours. That was my personal choice and that gave me my own sense of freedom. Think the idea of personal freedom varies a lot from person to person "

Hey hope you re well. Freedom comes in so many forms and most would not see my life as idyllic..I ve never touched a video computeree game thingy...but nature runs through me....she was there during my childhood abuse and has remained with me throughout and then theres my dance. Lets face it the average guy would run or laugh at the thought of doing barre dance etc. But surely that variety is what makes us human..though some would question human being used in reference to melololol

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"My personal freedom is limited by certain responsibilities that I have or had.

I, together with my partner had two children who needed various things which required both of us to give up certain freedoms in exchange for others. Now that our kids are grown up we've bought a new type of freedom with the proceeds of those years which is somewhat limited by the free choice to care for my parents. Freedom is a state of mind in my opinion, physical freedom is down to the responsibilities you have. "

Consciousness is the root of the freedom tree..it has to come from thought as that is where our emotions dwell..all things that effect us, our actions all stem from our state of mind.

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Like most people, I exist as part of a wider society. I don’t do social media, I avoid the news and television, and I am not caught up in the rat race, but nevertheless I am a part of multiple overlapping structures... a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a friend, a lover. Some people might find this binding and constricting, but I do not. I think it depends on how you define freedom. To live without responsibility doesn’t always make you free. I love my responsibilities, I couldn’t imagine living without them.

What do I consider freedom comes in two ways. The first is easy to define, it is my creative work - writing mostly - where self expression has no limits. There are no rules in my imagination. Everything is possible.

The second is harder to describe, and this will probably sound like pretentious crap, but I’ll try anyway. It is the freedom from the negative aspects of ego. I feel no need to be validated by others. I don’t crave attention, I don’t need to be accepted, I am never tempted to negotiate my morals in order to flatter my vanity or somebody else’s ego, I am not insecure and I’m not afraid of or threatened by people. Quite often we build our own prisons. We wall ourselves in behind layers of ego and insecurity and falsehoods... there can be no freedom in life when you’re imprisoned by ego.

I’ve worked hard over the last few years to live in a different way, not out there in society, but here inside me. Today I have more responsibilities than I’ve ever had, but I feel more freedom than I’ve ever felt.

No idea if any of that makes sense OP, but I hope you know what I mean x"

Possibly I understand more than you thought I would. Loved your paragraph concerning ego..thats me..soon as ego turns up to dinner I leave. Not because I can t compete etc blah de blah..its because all I ve done is and was for me..no one else. Hence I rarely spend time in male company..ego ..grrr lol. I have no family, I have my partner and do all I can to help her find happiness and her freedom. Other than that Im no son, brother, father etc to anyone.

I m a creative writer, not professional but it turns out Im also a creative choreographer for contemporary dance as well as a dancer..again not a professional but as a member of 2 professional companies. Im currently exploring abstract which is not something I ve done before. My greatest responsabilities dwell within my freedom..my partner and the woodlands I manage. The knowledge that I am creating something alone, on my own that should stand for a very long time.

A very fine post bud..thank you.

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By *reya73Woman
over a year ago

Whitley Bay

I see freedom as choice .. in times where I have felt constraint. I know I always have choice no matter how the margin measures. This gives me the sense that I am free even when I'm held by life's circumstance, responsibility or imposition. The higher the walls, the deeper I go to look for a way to fill the space with me. Boundaries bring something to bounce off.

From an early age I felt a sense of entrapment by all manner of things. I frequently ran away from school and home only to find that if I went back.. I found more of me.

Today my freedom comes in knowing myself. Knowing that I always have choice and freedom even if only in smell measures at times.

I feel the most free when I'm in nature or pursuing the things that feed my soul like music, sex, travel, meditation. Getting in the car and following an impulse. Doing things differently to what is expected and following my instinct when making decisions.

Gorgeous question OP as always. I've loved reading the responses.

X

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"I see freedom as choice .. in times where I have felt constraint. I know I always have choice no matter how the margin measures. This gives me the sense that I am free even when I'm held by life's circumstance, responsibility or imposition. The higher the walls, the deeper I go to look for a way to fill the space with me. Boundaries bring something to bounce off.

From an early age I felt a sense of entrapment by all manner of things. I frequently ran away from school and home only to find that if I went back.. I found more of me.

Today my freedom comes in knowing myself. Knowing that I always have choice and freedom even if only in smell measures at times.

I feel the most free when I'm in nature or pursuing the things that feed my soul like music, sex, travel, meditation. Getting in the car and following an impulse. Doing things differently to what is expected and following my instinct when making decisions.

Gorgeous question OP as always. I've loved reading the responses.

X "

Hey you..beautiful post..I think often the only true ways a person feels freedom of thought is through sexuality and dance as if we re doing it right we are lost to the feelings and emotions of them...we don t employ our consciousness which is itself our own harness, our own chain...we touch a body with a mind which is dancing to the beauty of that touch, the pleasure of touch..something that so many are missing and struggling with right now..we touch so we feel, with no questions as to the hows and whys and what..it just is..perfect xx

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By *emorefridaCouple
over a year ago

La la land


"My personal freedom is something I think a lot about. I think it's a series of choices one makes, your life sounds ideal to some but would be a nightmare to others.

I chose and considered the implications of having kids before having them. I don't it was taking away my personal freedom but experiencing the joy of having kids.

I have a massive passion for science and choose to follow that career rather than a life more similar to yours. That was my personal choice and that gave me my own sense of freedom. Think the idea of personal freedom varies a lot from person to person

Hey hope you re well. Freedom comes in so many forms and most would not see my life as idyllic..I ve never touched a video computeree game thingy...but nature runs through me....she was there during my childhood abuse and has remained with me throughout and then theres my dance. Lets face it the average guy would run or laugh at the thought of doing barre dance etc. But surely that variety is what makes us human..though some would question human being used in reference to melololol "

Hey I'm getting there thank you Mr Tree. Think that what personal freedom is, is to make those choices whatever they are. Men doing barre is hot in my book tbh. And I've actually slowly started dancing about the place again yay

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"My personal freedom is something I think a lot about. I think it's a series of choices one makes, your life sounds ideal to some but would be a nightmare to others.

I chose and considered the implications of having kids before having them. I don't it was taking away my personal freedom but experiencing the joy of having kids.

I have a massive passion for science and choose to follow that career rather than a life more similar to yours. That was my personal choice and that gave me my own sense of freedom. Think the idea of personal freedom varies a lot from person to person

Hey hope you re well. Freedom comes in so many forms and most would not see my life as idyllic..I ve never touched a video computeree game thingy...but nature runs through me....she was there during my childhood abuse and has remained with me throughout and then theres my dance. Lets face it the average guy would run or laugh at the thought of doing barre dance etc. But surely that variety is what makes us human..though some would question human being used in reference to melololol

Hey I'm getting there thank you Mr Tree. Think that what personal freedom is, is to make those choices whatever they are. Men doing barre is hot in my book tbh. And I've actually slowly started dancing about the place again yay "

Heyyyy am so pleased to hear that with the dance...fantastic seems Im a good creator and writer of contemporary dance including abstract which has gobsmacked me lol...you aint see me do barre..that might change your mind

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By *emorefridaCouple
over a year ago

La la land


"My personal freedom is something I think a lot about. I think it's a series of choices one makes, your life sounds ideal to some but would be a nightmare to others.

I chose and considered the implications of having kids before having them. I don't it was taking away my personal freedom but experiencing the joy of having kids.

I have a massive passion for science and choose to follow that career rather than a life more similar to yours. That was my personal choice and that gave me my own sense of freedom. Think the idea of personal freedom varies a lot from person to person

Hey hope you re well. Freedom comes in so many forms and most would not see my life as idyllic..I ve never touched a video computeree game thingy...but nature runs through me....she was there during my childhood abuse and has remained with me throughout and then theres my dance. Lets face it the average guy would run or laugh at the thought of doing barre dance etc. But surely that variety is what makes us human..though some would question human being used in reference to melololol

Hey I'm getting there thank you Mr Tree. Think that what personal freedom is, is to make those choices whatever they are. Men doing barre is hot in my book tbh. And I've actually slowly started dancing about the place again yay

Heyyyy am so pleased to hear that with the dance...fantastic seems Im a good creator and writer of contemporary dance including abstract which has gobsmacked me lol...you aint see me do barre..that might change your mind "

I'm sure it's better than mine at the moment, I need to get back into the routine again. Not enough movement in my hip

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Freedom for me is defined simply by being able to be the truest, most open minded, liberated version of myself that I’ve ever been, simply because I found someone that encourages that, when previously I felt wary of ever expressing myself.

I’m lucky and freer than ever.

~ Bonnie

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By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Freedom for me is defined simply by being able to be the truest, most open minded, liberated version of myself that I’ve ever been, simply because I found someone that encourages that, when previously I felt wary of ever expressing myself.

I’m lucky and freer than ever.

~ Bonnie "

So glad you ve found that person...lovely post.

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