This being just craves for freedom. Not the kind of freedom people in India are celebrating today. I am talking about real freedom. Freedom from the bonds of the world, from this body and mind, from whatever it is that’s limiting this being. It’s not my aim or goal, it’s just a natural desire of whatever it is that runs through this physical being. Something is trapped. No, maybe trap is too extreme or maybe it’s not. All I know it wants to fly.
When I was little freedom was in play. When I grew older I started searching for it in being good at something, being appreciated, being loved. It would last but not too long. Leaving home to another land felt like a freedom of another kind. But when external factors started taking control, I surrendered and accepted to the way it was going to be.
Slowly, I found freedom being in nature and connecting with the wonders of the Universe. But I couldn’t always be out in the woods. There were no woods in the city. The city life took over strong. Trapped me in consumerism, giving false hopes of finding freedom in the type of clothes I wear or the way I look. Desires to be better at work, to earn something in this world, desires, never ending desires took hold. But they couldn’t give this being what it really wanted.
Looking for meaning and fulfillment in work I hoped that it would somehow lead me to my old friend freedom. Yes, it is an old friend now that comes and goes through little moments of life, listening to Kirtan (devotional singing) or Katha (a talk on Sikhi), when that one tuk (line) of Bani, would hit me out of nowhere. It comes and it goes through moments of solitary reflection and through engaging in activities that the being loves.

It comes and it goes while the being walks around the circle, the circle of everyday life. And this being is still not free. I know it wants to fly but every time it tries its only for a moment and its voice gets overpowered by everything else there is. The gravity of the circle of life pulls me in each time. It is a fight, an inner fight for freedom. All I can do is just be. Be patient and kind. Be its (the being’s) friend and companion and be devoted.
ਖੋਜਤ ਖੋਜਤ ਤਤੁ ਬੀਚਾਰਿਓ ਦਾਸ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਪਰਾਇਣ ॥
ਅਬਿਨਾਸੀ ਖੇਮ ਚਾਹਹਿ ਜੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਦਾ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਨਾਰਾਇਣ ॥੨॥੫॥੧੦॥
Searching and searching, the essence is understood and this slave is devoted to the Earth-preserver.
If you want eternal bliss, O Nanak, forever remember the Divine.
– Rāg Todi, Guru Arjan Sahib, SGGS Ang 714
Loved this. Especially the circle drawing you included. I never thought it from the perspective of the circle of everyday life having gravity that constantly brings us back down. For me personally, I’ve been trying hard to build new routines and make my everyday life, that everyday circle, as fulfilling and enjoyable as I can.
I’ve been guilty of trying to suppress myself to the everyday circle and not fully embrace the bumps of freedom that come. I think finding a balance is important.
I’m not sure if this is how you were interpreting this message but thank you for the opportunity to allow me to reflect 🙏🏽
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Yeah, I just couldn’t think of a better way of explaining how I felt without drawing it out. I am so glad that you enjoyed reading and that you could resonate with it and reflect on it.
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I really resonated with this notion of freedom. Thank you for sharing ❤
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Very beautifully expressed your inner feelings. I can relate to it what I was five six years ago.
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