When talking about freedom, one is naturally inclined to think only of physical or territorial liberation. One is most likely to think of freedom as liberation from something outside themselves or an external force. This is because humanity has been intentionally conditioned to believe that their enemies and obstacles are only external. This eventually makes one oblivious and blind to the fact that sometimes the enemy is within. It is also an intentional distraction for one to disregard the transformative act of turning and searching deep within. It is a purposeful disruption of the process of understanding the self first as it is the advent and starting point for ‘overstanding’ the world at large. 

There is an ancient African proverb that says if there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do you no harm. This proverb cannot be overemphasised. This is because as much as one is likely to blame their shortfalls on the external elements of their circumstances, the root cause can also be the man in the mirror. Therefore, the distraction from facing the man in the mirror is at the same time delayed progress to man’s natural destiny and the discovery of the immense power that lies untapped within.

It is hard for one to ever believe that they could be their own enemy, especially if their accolades and attainments are the only yardsticks by which they identify themselves. It would also be hard for one in that position to even be corrected, as they would see anyone who begs to differ as an enemy and a threat to their nature. In this instance, the self-absorption becomes gradual self-destruction.

Freedom from the self-bondage is hard, and as with every challenge, for it to be addressed, one must first admit its existence. And just as the first cut is the deepest, the first step is also always the hardest, but its execution brings about new dawns and breakthroughs to new life dimensions. It brings new insights and broadens one’s perspective to discoveries for amazing life experiences.

It is also very hard for one to be free from self-bondage, especially when there is confusion between the ego and the true self. This is due to the modern world and its design of presenting or dictating one’s identity, instead of letting them discover it for themselves. It’s a self-given mandate of placing people in invisible boxes of self-limitation as an exploitation of a human need to belong. This has greatly led humans to identify themselves with titles, roles and many other fictional amenities, even if it is just for a little bit of attention or a need to feel important, thereby living their whole life unknowing, unaware and even not experiencing their true nature.  

Unlike the propagated western concepts of self-realisation, which are depicted in the form of material attainment, true self-realisation is the realisation of one’s divine and spiritual existence. It is not only the freedom from the self, but also freedom from the bondage of man-made concepts and fictional identities that curtail one’s full manifestation and expression of his creator.
By Karlos TheGreat

E-mail: karlsimbumusic@gmail.com

Uncommon Sense is published every Friday in the New Era newspaper with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka.