In the age of democracy, we assume we are free and independent beings. On a spiritual level, this statement is true, as we cannot assume people without an appreciation of freedom, individual autonomy, and tolerance to build and sustain a free and open society. Yet, being preoccupied with modern life’s rapid pace and complexity, we seldom have the chance to look within to converse with the inner self.
When we enter the world, we first notice that social dynamics are everywhere, permeating all layers of life. We find it uncomfortable and stressful when forced to make concessions in life.
Such examples abound everywhere in the human world. A close friend of yours has been working in a government agency for years. Because of the stability of this job and its expected benefits, such as pension, he believes it is necessary to reconcile with the repetitive tasks thrown at him daily and the hierarchical culture and structure.
Or maybe it is you. You are working full-time in a company. To support yourself and your family, you work hard every year and are determined to climb the corporate ladder. You do this with the compromise with yourself because you believe this is the only viable way to make it work in life. You do not want to let down all the people having expectations of you. Besides, you notice that all your friends and peers live similar lifestyles. But, deep down in your heart, you feel an unspeakable unease from your immediate reality.
The crux of the issue regarding the way of life is to what extent you have control over it. If you find yourself entirely under the control of someone else, which could be a company, a government institution, or any entity that has subtle coercion on you, then you cannot easily get yourself out of this predicament. In contrast, if you can negotiate the terms of your freedom, you can live a life by self-design.
We find navigating social dynamics a nuisance and draining partially because we focus on the outside. We care too much about the perception of ourselves in the eyes of our friends, colleagues, and social circles. When we are perceived and labeled in a particular way by others in society, it becomes difficult to change that stereotyped impression. When it comes to the moment that we decide to change, we will be misunderstood, challenged, questioned, and distanced. After that, we enter a lasting state of aloneness.
The power of inner freedom and resiliency
In “Free and Easy Wandering,” the first chapter in Chuang Tzu’s Inner Chapters, Chuang Tzu discusses three types of people with distinctive ways of life.
The first kind of people are the ones that can win acclaim and recognition from their communities. They are respected and known for their excellent behavior and applaudable deeds. So, public authorities even recognize them for their achievements and moral examples. Consequently, the larger society regards them as role models. Of course, it is natural that they also think highly of themselves.
