The process of freedom takes on different forms. We may have freedom but still, be a slave.
Often, we need to freeing ourselves of our own slavery as the egos and the self-centeredness; the fears; the self-imposed limitations and false expectations.
The ramifications of corona have ramped everything up. So instead of soldering on, as we have, we must enlist a full battalion to contend with the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical compression this pandemic has placed upon us.
Leaving our own slavery begins with one decision and act. But in order to change involves several steps.
There is possibly hesitation. We step forward, preparing for active change. Then, sometimes, we stumble back and possibly have to begin the process again.
Once we are free, we need maintenance in order to sustain the new change. The behaviours, ideas and dynamics must be ingrained in our heart and soul. This can be ongoing.
1 Contemplation
We know we are fearful. We know we are addicted. We know we have a poor body image. We know we are in a dead-end relationship. And we know we are dying inside.
Limiting beliefs hold us back. Lack of support holds us back. The grand scale of change holds us back.
Once we realize the consequences of not leaving our own slavery, this phase shifts. Here, we connect with our core motivations and start getting excited about the possibility of freedom and movement towards a different reality.
2 Preparation
After this, we begin preparation for that new reality by taking small steps towards freedom.
We do research. What is the best way to change?
How has my body image become so distorted? Why do I continue to pretend everything is OK in this relationship? Why does my life feel so meaningless?
We tell friends and family we want to change. We make it public.
3 Action
Next, we activate our new change. We address obstacles that come up. We celebrate small successes.
We treat setbacks as opportunities for awareness. We develop our action plan. We continue until small successes become larger shifts.
4 Maintenance
We have changed. We have left our own slavery.
But we have to avoid situations that could trigger a relapse. We have to cultivate stress-management skills. We have to have refinement, awareness and mastery of our new reality.
True, it’s a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it.
And now comes an opportunity to do the work. Why? Because most of us are being forced to stay home. We can do the groundwork, the steps. Our internal life has taken precedence over our external life.
Leaving enslavement is ongoing; it is a work in progress. But it’s far better than staying in place.
By Galya Yan
Often, we need to freeing ourselves of our own slavery as the egos and the self-centeredness; the fears; the self-imposed limitations and false expectations.
The ramifications of corona have ramped everything up. So instead of soldering on, as we have, we must enlist a full battalion to contend with the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical compression this pandemic has placed upon us.
Leaving our own slavery begins with one decision and act. But in order to change involves several steps.
There is possibly hesitation. We step forward, preparing for active change. Then, sometimes, we stumble back and possibly have to begin the process again.
Once we are free, we need maintenance in order to sustain the new change. The behaviours, ideas and dynamics must be ingrained in our heart and soul. This can be ongoing.
1 Contemplation
We know we are fearful. We know we are addicted. We know we have a poor body image. We know we are in a dead-end relationship. And we know we are dying inside.
Limiting beliefs hold us back. Lack of support holds us back. The grand scale of change holds us back.
Once we realize the consequences of not leaving our own slavery, this phase shifts. Here, we connect with our core motivations and start getting excited about the possibility of freedom and movement towards a different reality.
2 Preparation
After this, we begin preparation for that new reality by taking small steps towards freedom.
We do research. What is the best way to change?
How has my body image become so distorted? Why do I continue to pretend everything is OK in this relationship? Why does my life feel so meaningless?
We tell friends and family we want to change. We make it public.
3 Action
Next, we activate our new change. We address obstacles that come up. We celebrate small successes.
We treat setbacks as opportunities for awareness. We develop our action plan. We continue until small successes become larger shifts.
4 Maintenance
We have changed. We have left our own slavery.
But we have to avoid situations that could trigger a relapse. We have to cultivate stress-management skills. We have to have refinement, awareness and mastery of our new reality.
True, it’s a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it.
And now comes an opportunity to do the work. Why? Because most of us are being forced to stay home. We can do the groundwork, the steps. Our internal life has taken precedence over our external life.
Leaving enslavement is ongoing; it is a work in progress. But it’s far better than staying in place.
By Galya Yan