about freedom.

atop mount batur

a poem

--

if we desire freedom

true freedom

we must first realize that our chains are an illusion

the walls of our cell - we build ourselves

it is all a mirage of the mind

we’ve caged ourselves with our stories

by creating identities

and clinging to them so intensely

so that anything that tries to challenge these attachments

bring about fear or pain within us

we’ve been conditioned to suffer

through our culture

through generations of increasingly deeper sleep

it is your choice to be the one to wake up

awaken to the truth that all the peace, love, and joy

we desperately seek in the external world

has been within you all along

beneath the layers of doubt, shame, and feelings of unworthiness

is the core of your being - which is pure happiness and bliss

so allow the perceived problems life presents to you

as opportunities to challenge your identity

to shed the layers that only suffocate you

allow these challenges to destroy your walls

permitting the light of your soul to finally fill you

and spread its brilliance beyond yourself

to shine on everyone and everything you encounter

we are not fully living

if we reject life

if we deny or resist the moment -

but this has become a habit

many are unaware of the subtle unease

in the background of our lives

that is amplified by challenges and problems

our habitual resistance to what is

in this moment

causes pain from the past

and fear of the future

so fully embrace what is right now

become quiet

and still

so you can observe what your mind, body, and emotions

are saying

listen

question them

in the stillness you will find the answer

and the answer is not something to search for

is it realized by allowing the waters of your mind to settle

so it becomes transparent

and you can finally see the ocean’s floor

the magic beneath the violent storm and crashing waves

become free of distraction

in both your inner and outer worlds

so you can see clearly

experience life vibrantly

fully awake

if and when you feel that life is painful or threatening

do not ignore the discomfort

do not numb its cries

listen to what it’s telling you

become curious

know that this dis-ease can dissolve through the same mechanism it is created

through the mind

the only way out is in

ram ram ૐ

much love! dream extreme! ☆

- kat