July 6 – Why Freedom Matters for Individuals and Societies

“Don’t worry is you’re making waves just by being yourself; the moon does it all the time.” Scott Stabile

Freedom is a multifaceted concept that permeates various aspects of individual existence, from personal autonomy and freedom of thought to health and well-being. Today, we will explore the profound impact of freedom on individuals' lives and how it shapes their ability to navigate and influence the world around them. By examining current events, we can gain a deeper understanding of how these forms of freedom manifest in today's society.

Personal autonomy is central to individual freedom, encompassing the ability to make decisions, govern oneself, and overcome various constraints. Becky Vollmer’s assertion that “You, as an individual, are not stuck, even if the muck you are sitting in feels thick and deep and self-generating. It is not your identity. The mire may be gluey and stagnant, but you are sovereign and powerful – exponentially more powerful than you may realize. You are a divine being with agency, ability, muscle, discernment, and most notably, choice” underscores the inherent power within individuals to effect change in their lives. This sentiment is reflected in the rise of the gig economy, where individuals choose freelance work over traditional employment to gain more control over their schedules and work-life balance.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of personal autonomy as individuals around the world had to adapt to new constraints and make significant decisions regarding their health, safety, and livelihoods. Vollmer’s insight that “Change starts with acknowledging the life you’re living doesn’t live up to the life you want. From there, it is about getting off autopilot” resonates with those who used the pandemic as an opportunity to reassess their priorities and pursue new paths, such as starting new businesses or changing careers.

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” Mahatma Gandhi

Freedom of thought and expression is vital for intellectual freedom and creativity. Rick Rubin’s statement, “If we were to learn anything it would be to free ourselves from any beliefs or baggage or dogma that gets in the way of us acting according to our true nature. The closer we get to a childlike state of free self-expression, the purer our test and the better our art,” highlights the necessity of shedding limiting beliefs to achieve true creativity. This is evident in the rise of social media platforms, where individuals freely express their ideas, share their art, and connect with like-minded communities. I recently connected with creative people in my community through a Facebook group. We are meeting up tonight to craft together and get to know each other in person. We have been cheering each other on for the last few weeks. It will be great to get to know each other in real life!

However, Catherine Price’s observation that “today, just over a decade since smartphones entered our lives, we’re beginning to suspect that their impact on our lives might not be entirely good. We feel busy, but ineffective. Connected but lonely. The same technology that gives us freedom can also act like a leash and the more tethered we become, the more it raises the question of who’s actually in control. The result is a paralyzing tension: we love our phones, but we often hate the way they make us feel. And no one seems to know what to do about it” captures the paradox of digital freedom. While technology enables self-expression, it can also create dependencies that limit our sense of freedom. Movements advocating for digital detoxes and mindful technology use reflect a growing awareness of the need to balance the benefits and drawbacks of our digital lives.

Health is intrinsically linked to freedom, as physical and mental well-being enable individuals to fully exercise their autonomy and creativity. Mary Pipher’s assertion that “Attitude trumps circumstance. Every woman undermines her own history, but not necessarily under conditions that she chooses. We all keep appointments we did not make. Still, we have the freedom to choose how we respond to inner and outer events. Luck is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for happiness. Attitude is both.” This sentiment emphasizes the role of mindset in navigating health challenges. The global response to mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased awareness and resources for mental well-being, highlights the importance of mental health in maintaining overall freedom.

Access to healthcare is crucial for sustaining freedom, as it ensures individuals can address health issues that might otherwise constrain their lives. The ongoing debates in the United States regarding healthcare reform and the push for universal healthcare reflect the recognition that access to healthcare is a fundamental aspect of individual freedom.

Today, we explored the multifaceted nature of freedom for individuals. Personal autonomy, freedom of thought and expression, and health are all critical components that enable individuals to live fulfilling and empowered lives. Political ideas, policy debates, and protests illustrate how these aspects of freedom manifest in today’s society and underscore the ongoing efforts to ensure that all individuals can fully exercise their freedoms. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the pursuit of freedom remains a guiding principle that shapes our personal and collective journeys.

Activity –

The "App Replacement Challenge": Choose an app that you find yourself constantly checking and identify a non-digital alternative for the function it serves. For example, if you rely heavily on social media for connection, replace it with regular phone calls or in-person meetings with friends. If you constantly check the news, replace it with reading a physical newspaper or listening to a curated news podcast. Evaluate how this replacement impacts your overall well-being and sense of freedom from technology's grip.

In today's increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose sight of what makes us human. The constant bombardment of screens and social media can distract us from cultivating essential qualities like kindness, empathy, and resilience.

My book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience,  guides parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising children in a technology-driven age. It explores the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age to help them develop into compassionate, responsible, and fulfilled individuals.

Through a series of practical exercises and insightful reflections, this book delves into fourteen core values: curiosity, awareness, kindness, learning, self-awareness, fairness, playfulness, compassion, service, belonging, trustworthiness, authenticity, community, and responsibility. Understanding and nurturing these values can empower our children to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

This book offers a roadmap for raising children who are academically successful, emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and morally grounded. It encourages readers to prioritize human connection, empathy, and compassion over material possessions and fleeting digital distractions. By embracing the power of values, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.