Have you set yourself free from the chains of fear?

As we celebrate our freedom as a country this month, it has made me think of what true freedom is.

What is TRUE freedom?  Though you may consider yourself free, it is easy to become a slave to others.  Even more disheartening is when we become a slave to ourselves.  A slave to our negative thoughts and emotions, a slave to our addictions and unhealthy behaviors.  A slave to our fears, the very fears that we allow to control our lives.  This month we celebrate our freedom...so SET YOURSELF FREE!

What are the chains that are binding you from creating a happy, joyous, peaceful life for yourself?  Whatever those chains are made of, however long they have been there, or however strong they are...only YOU are a slave to them and only YOU can set yourself FREE!  Experience true freedom by not allowing your fears to run your life.  True freedom is not just living in the moment.  True freedom is knowing that at any moment you can change your thoughts, you can change your feelings, you can change your perceptions, you can begin again...you can start anew!  It is only up to you!  By not welcoming this gift and using this gift, you only continue to enslave yourself to those chains of fear and tighten their grip.  Every time you choose to be a victim by allowing someone to upset you, you become a slave to not only them, but you continue the pattern of being a slave to your fears.  Thankfully, every time you choose a different response, you lessen fears grip.  Moreover, you will continue to lessen its grip as you make better choices ... you are free to choose.  If you are not happy in your life...truly happy, or maybe you are okay with some things and not others...use the blessing of imagination and thought to change your perception about the situation you are finding difficult.  You have the freedom to do this!  Remember work on changing your thoughts and then watch your whole world change around you. 

Enjoy this inspirational story on experiencing true freedom and try to implement this practice into your life:

Decide First Thing

There was a Sufi mystic who remained happy his whole life - no one had ever seen him unhappy - who was always laughing, who was laughter, whose whole being was a perfume of celebration. 

In his old age, when he was dying - on his deathbed and still enjoying, laughing hilariously - a disciple asked, "You puzzle us. You are still laughing; how are you managing it?" 

The old man said, "It is simple.  I asked my teacher.  I went to my teacher as a young man; I was only seventeen and already miserable, and my teacher was old, seventy, and he was sitting under a tree, laughing for no reason at all.  There was nobody else there, nothing had happened, nobody had cracked a joke or anything, and he was simply laughing, holding his belly.  I asked him, 'What is the matter with you? Are you mad or something?'  "

He said, 'One day I was also as sad as you are. Then it dawned on me that it is my choice, it is my life.'   Since that day, every morning when I get up the first thing I decide is ... before I open my eyes I say to myself, 'Abdullah' “- that was his name - " 'What do you want?  Misery?  Blissfulness?  What are you going to choose today?'  And it happens that I always choose blissfulness."

Source: Osho's book, "Emotional Wellness: Transforming Fear, Anger, and Jealousy into Creative Energy", page 277.

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About Lisa Brooks:  I started studying metaphysics when I was 15 years old in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  I remember the first day I learned "I could decide how I feel" and that "I have active participation in creating my life."  What an "aha" moment for me.  My passion for learning more on the subject grew.  I enjoy discovering new ways to better my life and help the lives of others.  A career in modeling brought me out to Los Angeles in 1998.  I am blessed with a flexible job that allows me time to pursue my other passions.  Living in this area has brought me more in contact with like-minded souls and more opportunities to learn and grow.  I am a Reiki practitioner and plan on becoming a Reiki Master soon.  Visit www.useyouruniverse.com for more information.  If you have questions or comments, email lisabrooks@useyouruniverse.com.