Can we make our own choices or is our life predestined? Do we really have free will? This has been a major conundrum of humanity probably since we began to weave thoughts together. Let's dig into it by first going over a few facts: We all have bodies, which have evolved to their present form from prior forms. As long as we have bodies, we're made out of matter and exist in the spacetime continuum. In this spacetime continuum, we're inhabitants of this Universe, galaxy, system and planet. Moreover, this matter in which we're embodied is made of molecules, atoms and quanta; we have all the elements of life within us, and all the codes that come with them. We're subject to the laws that rule movement and vibration in all layers of reality. On top of all of that, our ancestry has bequeathed us their whole luggage of memories, traumas and drives.
None of these things we can choose. They're part of our condition in this world and determine our experience at all levels. We can only act, think and feel within the constraints of these objective facts of the physical realm. Every decision that we make, every step that we take, are defined by these boundaries; we're like a drop compelled to flow with the river, we have no control over the waters, and yet, we do have a choice. We can't direct the happenings around us, we contribute to them mostly unconsciously, repeating the patterns laid our by all previous generations, but we can see that as a problem or as an opportunity; we can choose to resist circumstances and suffer, or accept them and use them. We can feel like slaves or like servants, and the distinction resides in the acknowledgment of our purpose.
We have been given a place and a duty to fulfill. Self-awareness is all about discovering this duty and integrating it so we can do it willingly, otherwise we labor in blindness and ignorance, wondering whether our actions have any value, whether our experiences have any meaning. Doing our work in good faith, with discipline and responsibility, is therefore equal to liberation, because free will is the capacity to change perspectives and focus. Everything we go through has both beauty and ugliness in it, even the most terrible situations conceal a kernel of wonder.
If you want to find your mission in this life, dedicate some time daily to reviewing your progress, remembering as far back as you can and reading the milestones of your process as you would a book. Eventually you'll see narrative threads going through every single period of your life and joining into one single flow, like a route drawn over a map. Trust this information and your walk will slowly but surely become increasingly easier, less plagued by fears and confusion, less affected by the opinions of others. We're happiest and live to the fullest when we're doing what we're supposed to do, find your place, make it your home, serve humbly and with commitment, be free!
Rune of the day: Wunjo. Ascent, Accomplishment, Realization.
A profound doubt is cleared, leaving the path open for progress. You overcome odds that seemed impossible, thus acquiring a new level in your journey. Be glad, congratulate yourself and celebrate! Embrace the joy of your achievement and use it to continue advancing. A promise fulfilled grants you deeper and greater access. That which can be taken away is never real, that which is true can never be removed; gauge your success with this principle in mind. Pay attention to every milestone and be grateful, for they reaffirm the road that you tread and reveal your purpose in this world. Duty compels us whether we accept it or not, it can be a burden or a blessing; herein resides the essence of our Power and Freedom, the choice of how to live the life we have been given.
Your notion of this concept is thought-invoking. At first, I thought your position would lean on the perspective of predestined life. However, I was wonderfully wrong.
Among all lines, I cherish this the most. It is an encouraging one. That despite our roots as human beings, we do have options as to how we can nurture the trees in ourselves. And as long as we remember such freedom, we can conquer the tight grasp of what the world claims as our age-old woven destiny.
Thank you for this comment, I'm glad that line resonated with you. Indeed, freedom is just a matter of attitude.
I like this, and I would add that there are also boundaries that can be broken which is why we have the gift of creativity. Not only can we shift the perspective, but we are entirely capable of creating new realities, though it is a consuming process and there will always be many challenges along the way, but the good news is that it's possible.
Yes, we can create pretty much infinite realities for ourselves, that's also a manifestation of our freedom. One of my goals is to show more people how to do that!