What Do You Want To Be Free Of?
Throughout my life, I continue to see the word "FREEDOM." There is something about this particular two-syllable word that it appears most people want.
I see this word on men's apparel and women's apparel. There are many companies which appear when I type "freedom" into my Google search bar, including Freedom Mobile, Freedom Furniture, Freedom Mortgage, Freedom Bike, amongst many more.
When I wear Freedom at The Mat clothing out and about, people often do a double take. I am clear it is the word "freedom" that catches people's eyes.
So, today, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I looked up the word "Freedom" to see how it is defined. Below is a definition (which was AI-generated) which I liked most.
"It's the power to act and speak without external restraint, but also involves internal liberation from fear, anger, or self-imposed limitations, allowing for self-determination, conscious choice, and living authentically according to one's values, often linked to responsibility and the protection of rights."
I feel fortified & invigorated after reading this definition. The aspiration for freedom is universal. I interpret the power to act or speak without external restraint as the ability to just be. I believe each and everyone of us is uniquely and wondrously made. Although the world operates with caste systems fueled by the need to establish and maintain systems of power, I believe that each one of us desires to just be.
If I could simply be who I am, and not have to modify self, code switch or explain, my life would be filled with joy. Yet, we live in a world which requires survival, so we often modify our natural behaviors.
But on this day in which we honor the birthday of one of the world's greatest Freedom Fighters, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I ask you, what do you want to be free of to live your very best life? I don't want to put thoughts into your head, I absolutely want each of to be free to be who we are. So think for yourself what you want to be free of, and why. And here on set your intention and attention to free yourself of it.
It may be freedom of worry, anxiety, lust, overspending, concern about your appearance, concern of others' opinions of you. As the Creator of Freedom at The Mat, I sincerely use my time on my art yoga mat in the mornings and/or evenings to spend alone with God to share my concerns, and I leave my worries and concerns at the mat as I release them to God.
May God continue to bless each of you on your respective journeys to your Freedom.
Ashé.
In grace & gratitude,
Olivia
