Slavery and freedom

Individually and as a larger part of society, what are we slaves to? We may be slaves to money, substances, cheap pleasures, ourselves, other people. I believe every one of us are slaves to something, no matter how abstract. We may seem like slaves to time, both past and future. Destiny? Fate?

So at what point are we not slaves? At what point can we be free? In the exact, present moment, we are free. In each second we live, we are free to choose and to act. Of course, we are bound by many limitations and you may see that as still being a slave. I cannot teleport overseas. We cannot travel back in time. We cannot break free from work. However, in the mind, we can. And this I believe, is why so many of us choose cheap, hollow happiness/pleasure. The vast majority of people become slaves to this.

If we cannot take control of the present, we cannot inch closer to freedom. Those who are free are those minds are unbound. These people may still work 9-5, these people may still have to pay for a roof over their heads. They are not fully free on surface level, but their minds, their attitudes, their sense of fulfilment and meaning in life are far more free than the mind that compares, criticises overtly and craves for more abundantly.

I believe the foundations for becoming more free is living simpler, being truly grateful more, being present. Live lightly, seek balance continuously and perpetually. It's okay to be ambitious but don't be so ambitious you self-destruct. Some people like to put themselves in a make or break situation to pressure them to work. But how long can you keep that up? Life is a marathon. Who has the last laugh?

Don't be a switch forever, be a valve.

Humans are all based off a reward system/dopamine. So many people chase quick, cheap dopamine. Even the darkest, seemingly most twisted people feel a sense of fulfilment after 'rewarding themselves' in some obscure manner. Using the spirit of simplicity, I believe we can reward ourselves on a day to day basis through feelings of small accomplishments. I still like to use the term 'microdosing on suffering'. We take the harder path, we take on challenges everyday. It sucks at first, you may not understand why you do it or you may not even feel satisfied from what you've done. But again, have faith, trust the process.

Keep lots of small promises to yourself daily and fulfil them. I make a promise to finish this task by COB. I make a promise to make my bed for the first time (or after a long time of not doing it). I make a promise to go to the gym after work. I make a promise to put the dishes to the cleaner's area at the food court. I make a promise to smile at the next stranger I see. I make a promise to take a deep breath when my emotions are rampant.

Small series of promises that are continuously kept, will give you immense satisfaction. It is contagious too. The people you are after will naturally (over time) be drawn to you. Law of attraction. Your actions are observed by so many people without you realising. You will be appreciated by the right people. It feels good to be doing good.

And trust me, with patience, you will come to a day where you feel like you don't need the cheap, quick happiness.