Freedom

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Are you truly free? How do you know? Merriam Webster offers a definition that defines freedom as the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action. As Americans, we are proud of our hard-won freedom, but on an everyday basis, how free do you feel? How often do you roll out of bed with the negative thought:"Ugh, I have to go to work." or "I have to prepare the family for the day." A long commute, a crabby boss, dirty diapers, or crabby toddlers. Fill in the blank after the phrase "have to." 

We all say it, probably every day, just before doing something we don't enjoy but feel compelled to do anyway. But if you examine your "have to" more closely, you may find that you honestly do have a choice. Very little of our daily "have to" is mandatory. What would it be like to consider more freeing alternatives, even crazy ones?  

Are you willing to work for your freedom? What about freedom from illness and stress. Are you willing to dedicate ("straighten your back and work") a few minutes every day, stretching mind and body, for freedom from illness and stress?

When you consider all the possible choices we make each day, maybe we take that freedom for granted just a bit after all. 





 



1. After you've reviewed instructions for all sessions, begin with your hands resting in your lap. Bring your attention to your breath, not changing it, just notice if the breaths are coming quickly or slowly, deeply or more shallow. Continue this way for at least 5 breaths.
 
2. Notice if all edges of your feet are evenly rooted to the floor. Wiggle the toes, then lift them as you rock back onto your heels, rolling both feet onto their left edges, then press into the balls, rocking over to the right edges, finally placing both feet solidly on the ground with equal pressure. Repeat that circle to the left this time. Did focusing on your feet take you away from your breath? Bring your calm attention back to the breath once again.
 
3.  On your next inhale, reach your arms wide, feeling a stretch through the front of your torso. As you exhale, bring hands to the center of your chest, palms pressed together with thumbs touching sternum. ("heart center") Repeat 3 times.
 
4. Lift one foot foot and circle the ankles 3 or 4 times in each direction. Repeat with other foot. Finish with both feet resting back on the floor.
 
5. As you inhale, lift hands overhead, reaching for the ceiling, again exhaling the hands back to heart center. Repeat 3 times.
 
6. On the next inhale, just lift one arm straight up. As you exhale bend the elbow so that your hand drifts behind your neck toward the space between your should blades. Your elbow stays next to your ear, pointing up at the ceiling as you try to stretch your fingers further down your back. Keep reaching for another 3 breaths, then inhale the arm straight up again and exhale it back down to your lap. Repeat with opposite arm.
 
7. You just gave yourself a pat on the back! Now you deserve a some more quiet breathing before heading back to your busy day. Reread #1, commit to those 5 breaths, then enjoy your day!