BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Philosophy Are We 'Free' Or Living Within Imposed Limitations

Found this quote today and it made me wonder just how 'free' we are. Would love to hear your thoughts

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”

―Charlotte Brontë

It's a tough one. We are free to go anywhere in our minds, and can be who and what we want to be in the same way. Socially we can feel imposed upon by self policing, other peoples fears and insecurities and not wanting to draw attention to ourselves.

Do you live as if you are free? Do you live within self or outside imposed limitations?

I noticed how easy it is to plant seeds in peoples mind. How powerful advertising is and how we think we've come up with an idea or original thought when actually it was planted from another source.

Are you aware how or if you are being influenced to make decisions/choices for someone else's benefit?

I do believe we can be influenced by a lot of outside sources. It is up to us to look within to find our own truths. That means taking time for just your self in a space without any distractions. When we can live according to what we truly believe we are free, but it is easier said than done in a lot of cases. The limitations can be put upon us by our selves, friends, family, co-workers, society in general, government, etc. Some of these limitations and/or expectations can be ignored, but some we have to find ways to deal with or live with somehow. Depending on the situation, to compromise may mean you feel free or not free. If you feel good about your choice it helps to lighten the load.

For sure, I find that going within is where I get my 'truths' . I agree that we are heavy influenced by outside factors and since the majority believe in the ways we are being guided towards it seems even more challenging to get another perspective heard over the 'noise'.

I was surprised by how easy people are to manipulate and plant seeds in after seeing a lady latching on to someones mentioning of cake, from then on she could only think of cake and how she could get some! No wonder advertising is so powerful eh!

Thanks for reading and contributing