Freedom...Contentment

Someone asked me earlier this week whether freedom is very important to me, and without hesitation, I said, yes.

I wondered if our definition of freedom is the same; probably not... not that it mattered...

Kids will say freedom is very important to them too. But I think there again, our definition differs...

To me freedom is that liberty of spirit; it is not doing what you want, anytime u like. That is not freedom. That is ill discipline.

Its like i have the freedom to go to school before 740am, but i choose to go much much earlier and am happy to do so...

I will abide by rules... but i have the liberty of choice to do so and do so happily.

I can take a very very tight regime. Actually what i had taken, very few would be able to take. And that for many years. But i did so with objective. And I know though I was outwardly bound, I am actually free because I know my course... and outward circumstance cant curb that freedom of spirit within.

sometimes when i observed 'supposed freedom' (sorry, especially from the point of view of kids), those who subscribed to it, and do as they pleased are actually themselves in bondage to their own weakness and lack of temperance. Their seeming freedom is an imprisonment in itself.

Similarly those who think they weld power by authority, is actually powerless relying on fear and authority. The fact that if they dont have the authority, they cant attain the same compliance shows in fact, there is no 'power' in actuality. The truth is respect is more 'powerful' than authority. And people will go the extra mile and more with respect than with 'power'.

Freedom is very positive and motivates one to go beyond the boundaries to explore, to serve, to give...

Freedom is that which fuels passions, propels to reach greater heights...

i dont know how to describe that feeling, but it makes duty a joy, and the reward is contentment, not extrinsic, but intrinsic... There is boundlessness in the confines of circumstances.... it is inexplicable... but those who taste it will understand...

Good leaders know how to give this liberty and trust. Only those who have confidence in themselves and in others can trust. I hope the kids that i have mentored will be good leaders, and grow to understand this first within themselve and to exercise with discretion the same trust in their roles, whereever they are....when they grow up... when i talk to them... i see them in my mind's eyes many many years later... and hope they will be good people, good leaders, good team players....

i find it gratifying talking to each and every kid... i do wish they are made of sterner stuff to take hard knocks.

Most of all, i wish them to acquire understanding of themselves, and others and be positive people, and love and give freedom.

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I really do love the feeling of freedom.... if u ask, do i have it now? i will say, yes, not because of what i physically and actually have....

my happiness is not confine to labels and 'success'. I am content.

Yes, I am very sad, and yes, oft times lonely. But I am happy within myself. I dont have any need; I dont have any wants; I may feel pain and sorrow. But I am happy and content. I am not chasing illusions.

I am free... :) I thank the person for asking me... it made me delve deeper and realise how much freedom i have... and that i am happy...