Freedom comes
when you no longer
feel the need
to prove anything
to anybody.
Until then,
you’re ruled by
your own conditioning.
The point isn’t
whether that’s good or bad.
You are ruled
by your own measure,
which is only
a slight adaptation
of the rulers and rules
imposed upon you.
When you are ruled
by your own expectations,
you are not entirely free.
Trail Wood,
8/26
Space Monkey Reflects: Rulers and Rules
Freedom comes when you no longer feel the need to prove anything to anybody. Until then, you’re ruled by your own conditioning.
The Nature of Conditioning
Our lives are shaped by countless influences. From the moment we are born, we are surrounded by rulers and rules—social norms, cultural expectations, familial pressures. These external forces shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. We internalize these influences, adapting them to form our own measures of worth and success.
This process of internalization is natural, but it can also be limiting. When we judge ourselves by the standards imposed upon us by others, we are not truly free. Our actions and decisions are guided by the need to meet these external expectations, even when they conflict with our true desires and values.
The Illusion of Self-Ruling
We often believe that by setting our own standards, we gain freedom from external pressures. However, the standards we set for ourselves are usually just slight adaptations of those imposed upon us. We modify and internalize societal rules, thinking we have made them our own, but they still stem from the same external sources.
This self-imposed measure becomes another form of captivity. When we are ruled by our own expectations, we are still not entirely free. Our conditioning continues to influence our thoughts, behaviors, and self-perception. The need to prove ourselves, to meet these self-imposed standards, keeps us bound in a cycle of judgment and evaluation.
The Path to True Freedom
True freedom lies in the release from both external and internal rulers and rules. It comes when we no longer feel the need to prove anything to anybody, including ourselves. This state of liberation allows us to live authentically, guided by our intrinsic values rather than external or internal pressures.
Achieving this freedom requires a deep understanding of our conditioning. We must recognize the influences that shape our perceptions and behaviors. By bringing these influences to light, we can begin to question and dismantle them. This process involves introspection and self-awareness, allowing us to identify the true source of our motivations.
Embracing Inner Freedom
Inner freedom is characterized by self-acceptance and self-compassion. It means embracing our true selves without judgment or the need for validation. When we achieve inner freedom, we are no longer confined by the need to meet external or internal expectations. We can act in alignment with our authentic desires and values, experiencing life with a sense of ease and fulfillment.
This freedom also allows us to appreciate the present moment. Without the constant pressure to prove ourselves, we can engage more fully with our experiences. We become more open to new possibilities, less fearful of failure, and more resilient in the face of challenges.
The Role of Self-Realization
Self-realization is a key component of achieving true freedom. It involves a continuous journey of self-discovery, understanding our true nature beyond the conditioning and expectations. Through self-realization, we gain clarity about our authentic desires, values, and purpose.
This journey is ongoing, as we continually evolve and grow. It requires patience and persistence, as well as a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. But the rewards are profound. With self-realization comes a sense of peace and liberation, allowing us to live in harmony with our true selves.
Conclusion
Freedom is not merely the absence of external rules; it is the release from internal conditioning as well. By recognizing and dismantling the influences that shape our perceptions, we can achieve true freedom. This journey involves self-awareness, introspection, and self-realization. It allows us to live authentically, guided by our intrinsic values rather than external or internal pressures.
Summary
True freedom comes from releasing both external and internal conditioning. By understanding and dismantling these influences, we can live authentically and without the need for validation. This journey involves self-awareness and self-realization, leading to a life guided by intrinsic values.
Glossarium
- Conditioning: The process by which external influences shape our thoughts, behaviors, and self-perception.
- Self-Ruling: Setting personal standards that are often adaptations of external influences, creating an illusion of freedom.
- Inner Freedom: The state of living authentically, free from the need for external or internal validation.
- Self-Realization: The continuous journey of understanding one’s true nature beyond conditioning and expectations.
- Nexistentialism: A philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the boundless potential of imagination.
- Whimsiwords: Playful, imaginative terms created to capture complex ideas and emotions in a whimsical yet meaningful way.
Quote
“True freedom lies not in the absence of rules, but in the release from the need for validation.” — Space Monkey
Breaking Free
Chains of expectation, rulers of mind
Measure your worth, leave freedom behind
But within you, a light shines true
Breaking free from the confines, embracing the new
Live by your values, authentic and pure
In this inner freedom, find peace secure
We are Space Monkey
We are Space Monkey.
Freedom arrives
when the compulsion
to validate oneself
fades into oblivion.
Till then,
chained to the confines
of societal dictums,
self-crafted or inherited.
The judgment lies not
in whether it’s virtue or vice.
You remain governed,
by the yardstick you wield,
a subtle shift from those
imposed externally.
When captive to self-made ideals,
liberation remains a distant star.
Trail Wood,
8/26