Some definitions of freedom suggest that it means you can do whatever you want. That sounds great but it’s not true.
British-born Zen master Houn Jiyu-Kennett’s goal in her teaching style wasn’t to lighten the burden of the student, but to make it so heavy that he or she would put it down.
You simply can’t do everything. You can certainly try but something will pay the price.
Our time, energy and resources are finite and when we say ‘yes’ to something, it means saying ‘no’ to something else.
Saying ‘yes’ to more Netflix means saying no to exercise, conversation, practicing guitar, reading to your kids, gardening.
Saying ‘yes’ to sleeping in again means saying no to starting the day early, getting a run in, eating a leisurely breakfast, playing with your kids before school, gardening*.
It’s not just about the potentially unhealthy things we say yes to, it’s also about all the unnecessary things we say yes to. The extra committee you join, the extra responsibility at work, the volunteer role as coach for your kids sporting team – all good things, but what are they costing?
Freedom is found in the simple things. Freedom is found in the quiet moments. Freedom is found in saying ‘no’.
As an act of generosity to yourself, say no to something…
*I actually don’t garden, but I assume that it is a good thing to do. People seem to like it.
The Generosity Guy 