Mental Freedom: What is it and how do we get it?
Many factors should be explored when speaking about mental freedom. According to Leslie Santana from PyschCentral explains, “Mental freedom begins with detaching yourself from all of the emotions, ideals, definitions, and standards you learned growing up. Language is manmade and objects aren’t born with names, they are assigned terms.”
When we have negative and intrusive thoughts we are not free. When we believe we can’t achieve goals set by ourselves, we are not free. When we repeat actions that have in the past led to poor outcomes, we are not free. Many people find themselves in these negative self fulfilling prophecies of pain and mediocrity. Self-doubt has a compounding effect.
So what is the solution?
Most often solutions come in the simplest form. These recommendations might sound basic but an over complicated solution is not needed.
WRITING &/or JOURNALING
For some writing is a form of mediation and can create insights into the conscious and subconscious mind. In practice, (and my own personal life) I find that the simple act of writing opens my mind, clears unwanted thoughts, and illustrates back to me constant themes in my life.
Use writing as a form of mediation.
EXPLORE INTERNAL DIALOGUE
What we say to ourselves matters and it is not a meaningless activity. Internal dialogue good and bad can set ourselves up for failure in many ways. Constant negative talk will stunt your growth personally and professionally. Grandiose talk about ourselves can lend itself to unattainable goals, and a distorted sense of self. Taking a look at how we view ourselves is a great introspective practice that all of us should do on a regular basis.
Take the time for honest self reflection.
SETTING ACHIEVABLE GOALS
Consider where you are today and what goals will help you get to where you want to be and who you want to be. Take in consideration your situation and the parts you can control verse what you can influence. Start out with simple goals and continue to stack your accomplishments.
Set yourself up for success and sustainable happiness.
BOUNDARY SETTING
Take the time to identify the givers and takers in your life. Take survey of what those people are capable and willing to be to you. Having unrealistic expectations of people can cause frustration so try to set more reasonable expectations and boundaries for these people in your life.
Set realistic boundaries for the givers and takers in your life.
LET GO OF THE PAST
Often people and places can host fond memories as well as be a great source of pain. Sometimes we keep those people and places in our lives because of “what used to be”, but what used to be is no longer the person you want to be. The road to mental freedom isn't forgetting or rewriting your past, it's letting go of pain and suffering that is holding you back to becoming the future self you want to be.
Let go of the past to start developing the future you want.
EXTEND YOURSELF GRACE
The road to mental and associated emotional freedom is not always a straight line. Years of self doubt, poor self image, and poor lifestyle choices can take awhile to work through. Daily improvements and developing situational awareness can take some time. Allow yourself to be comfortable with these new difficult decisions that you are making, because you're making them for a lifetime.
Developing better habits takes time so be patient with yourself.
Still wondering where to begin with some of these recommendations? I’d be happy to point you in the right direction. Contact me below if you want to chat more.
