We often complain that life is short, when in reality the problem is that we start living it too late, it is only when we drop the masks, weights and obsolete links that we take the step: finally we open the door of this beautiful creature. who, like a hungry wolf, emerges freely in search of his own territory.
Okot p? Bitek was a wonderful Afghan poet and writer who devoted much of his career to excelling traditional African culture. According to him, people will never be totally free. We all have one place in our society: we are children, brothers, mothers or fathers, yet all these links are nothing more than points of origin, because we also have the opportunity to create new horizons, preserving common roots.
“Freedom means responsibility; that’s why most men are so afraid of him. -George Bernard Shaw-
We’ve all come free in this world. However, life, our families and the very social context that surrounds us, gradually mold us with their different hands and subtle encouragement, far from assuming every trait and form inscribed, we ourselves are the true craftsmen, ourselves that at some point we will have to do. choose what to accept from this transfer of values and teachings and what should be rejected.
Okot p? Bitek has left us great wisdom in books like “Son of Lawino”. Will we never stop being someone’s children, someone’s brothers or the natives of a certain place? However, even knowing what our own origins are, we have the right to wake up. build and build the kind of life we want.
Is it possible that the concept really lives, is it something that affects a lot of people. Don’t we all appreciate the gift of life simply because we’re born and breathed right now?The truth is that there is a clear difference between existing and living a full life in which we truly appreciate who we are, have and do. we are born and the moment we leave this world, there is a precious time called life that deserves to be used with intensity.
How can we ensure this awakening?Erich Fromm, a famous German psychoanalyst, social psychologist and humanist, used to say that human beings spend much of their lives adapting to what society describes as normal to think it’s “good and right. “However, most of the time, we find ourselves stuck with certain links, behaviors and activities that go against our true desires.
We swallow our bitter frustrations and hide desires deep within our being as rusty ships, like sad relics that it is better not to look because everyday life drives us, because it is necessary to fill, adapt and be part of this team that forms the unique thought where, of course, there is no freedom. Waking up from this sad nightmare takes courage. Because only those who are ready to start their own personal revolution will begin to live as they really want.
This may seem like an irony. However, there are many people advancing in their way of life with a broken heart and mind driven by an autopilot programmed to let go. It is an easier existence, but probably less happy, less authentic and satisfying.
The fundamental alchemy to encourage this awakening or transformation is based on five simple steps on which to reflect for a few moments. They’re next.
Don’t let the noise drown your own inner voice, does she already know what you really want to be?- Steve Jobs-
Now going back to this data that we talked about at the beginning of the article, quoting the writer Okot p?Bitek, there are currently a number of things that are definitely your character, whether you like it or not, you are someone’s son, you are a brother and a colleague or friend. In return, you also have a certain position in this company marked by your professional performance.
In conclusion, remember that it’s not really about living long or a short time, it’s just about giving meaning to every moment and valuing your life for what it is: a gift that shouldn’t be wasted.
Images courtesy of Sophie Wilkins.