Cosy at the Crossroads

Oftentimes we mix up freedom with possibility.

This is the mistake of capitalistic democracies, that sell us the idea of freedom but appease and sedate us with lots of options, however, it is a very human mistake. We think that freedom is the availability of possibility, and so we sit at the crossroads surrounded by hundreds of avenues, and we set up camp at the crossroads, thinking that we are free-er there.

Yet, freedom, in a seemingly paradoxical way, is expressed through choosing a path to venture on. What I am suggesting, is that freedom is best expressed with intentional self-limitation. Does that make sense?

It isn't actually paradoxical at all, it is simply the contrast of the illusions we like to maintain about ourselves, and the reality of what we are actually doing. Of course, no-one can really tell what the illusion or reality is for each individual...these are the kinds of secrets we can even keep from ourselves...the truth about what we are doing, and why we are doing it. Do we keep ourselves hooked on the idea of freedom, but stay appeased by the availability of options? Only we can tell the truth about that...to ourselves, and for ourselves.

Of course, in admitting that we have set up camp at the crossroads, we encounter the reasons why we haven't set off on any of those roads. We encounter our fears, anxieties and probably a vast arsenal of protective thoughts, that help to keep us safe and sound in the status quo. Hedged into our safer worlds with stockpile of rusty excuses.

Maybe we fear failure,

by the standards of significant others

or

by the more impossible standards we have set ourselves.

Maybe we fear success,

afraid, that to succeed is to offend someone.

Maybe we feel that the world is set against us;

that good things just don't happen to us.

Maybe we are afraid of doing what we want

for fear of upsetting someone else.

Maybe we are afraid that if we set off on one path,

that we will miss out on another.

Maybe we are just afraid of leaving the safety

because we have become addicted to ease.

There is obviously a time for both of these things at different times in our lives. A time for venturing out on a new path that we have chosen, even if only temporarily. There is also a time to reflect on what possibilities are available to us; which of those lie open, and which of those need effort and commitment. All the time, weighing up the investment of our efforts against the reward we get from the risks.

Wherever you are at...I wish you grace for yourself for the journey, if you choose to go on one.