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One of the greatest concerns of modern man is personal freedom. Indeed, this is a noble and great concept. However, from the perspective of both medical science and traditional eastern yoga schools, one needs to understand the reality that lies behind the appearance of youth and wellness.

Our physical senses can only stand a certain amount of sensory input or gratification. If we go beyond such levels, then pleasure and happiness turns into pain and suffering. For example, I eat a modest meal and tea or water leaving about 20% of my stomach empty. Some people will say I have denied myself. OK, now let’s consider this. I eat to the point of 100% capacity. Very soon, I will feel like I have actually poisoned myself, and will soon expel the food, in one of two highly painful ways (you can imagine what these are).

So, the lesson here is that moderation with respect to sense gratification allows us to enjoy, but only if we consume with this awareness in mind. This is the first step to freedom: understanding the limitations of the physical body. So, if you were to ask your medical doctor and or yoga instructor, both will tell you that the less you abuse your physical body, the more you are allowing a natural and spontaneous “inner freedom” to take place.

Meditation is just that. You are sitting or walking and just observing. You are not consuming anything nor are you trying to prove anything to anybody. You are just experiencing the moment and what it feels like “to be”. This reminds me greatly of the Beatles’ song “Let It Be”. I am sure they had this idea in mind of meditation as an expression of true inner freedom that we cannot “produce” but rather we must allow for a state of relaxation to manifest that does not depend upon the exertion of force on the senses in any way. If anything, we are giving the senses a rest in meditation.

So, there you have it. Freedom is the experience of “being”. It is the ability to really enjoy the moment and it is a letting go of all anxiety about the past and future. Like Buddha once said “if you can really live in the present moment, then you will achieve Buddhahood.” It is indeed nice to know that millions of dollars or euros cannot buy me freedom. Rather, just by sitting down or walking somewhere, totally absorbed in the present moment, I can experience a freedom that is truly unparalleled. Indeed, this is a spiritual truth to be cherished, and really good for us when we are experiencing physical stress and anxiety.

Meditation is the greatest way to inner freedom and relaxation.

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