We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how to respond to them.
We all know that money and financial wealth can give you personal freedom. But the true personal freedom does not lies in just that – it’s being ‘free’ and being in control your inner self. I know it’s deep, I’m just scratching on the surface. If we were to talk about this, it’ll be nights and day and we’ll still be conversing about what is ‘personal freedom’.
There was a philosopher, 2,000 years ago in Greece who said some very meaningful words of wisdom. His name is Epictetus and he was once a slave before he became a well-respected philosopher in his time. I think what he shared was a form a ’personal freedom’ that once can obtain, regardless of how rich or poor he is…
This is what he said:
We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how to respond to them.
If someone irritates you, it is only your own response that is irritating you. Therefre, when anyone seems to be provoking you, remember that it is only your judgement of the incident that provokes you.
Those who are dedicated to a life of wisdom understand that the impulse to blame something or someone is foolishness, that there is nothing to be gain in blaming, whether it is to others or oneself.
If anyone is unhappy, remember that his unhappiness is his own fault… Nothing else is the cause of anxiety or loss of tranquility except our own opinion.
He is wise who doesn’t grieve for the things he doesn’t have, but rejoices for the things he does have.
Fortify yourself with contentment, for it is an impregnable fortress.
*Note: You can find out more of his work in The Art of Living.
You become ‘free’ when you’re not ‘controlled’ by your thoughts or your surroundings – or to be more precise, when you achieve tranquility.
Again, I’m not saying money is not important and don’t you dare to take this article as an excuse to enforce yourself not to work to be rich. If you do that, then you’re no different than a person who studies Law of Attraction and do nothing (other than “visualization” and “affirmation”) and expect to ‘attract’ great things in life. That’s call magic and too bad magic only works in bedtime stories (and movies too).
I got 2 questions for you (feel free to share in the comment box):
Question 1: What is PERSONAL FREEDOM to you?
Question 2: What are you doing every day so that you can gain personal freedom one day?
To your “freedom”,
Patric Chan
No comments:
Post a Comment