ekla cholo re

যদি আলো না ধরে, ওরে ওরে ও অভাগা,
যদি ঝড়-বাদলে আঁধার রাতে দুয়ার দেয় ঘরে-
তবে বজ্রানলে
আপন বুকের পাঁজর জ্বালিয়ে নিয়ে একলা জ্বলো রে।।

If they shut doors and do not hold up the light when the night is troubled with storm,
O thou unlucky one,
with the thunder flame of pain ignite your own heart,
and let it burn alone.
 Rabindranath Tagore (Source: Wikipedia)

I have mused on the topic of freedom in the past in a few posts, but let's get a clear definition first. Freedom really means very different things for different people. And what it means to us may not necessarily be what we have the capacity to apply to those around us or our loved ones. So begin with understanding your definition and the definition of those around you.

To me, freedom is a free mind and spirit. It includes the ability to have the thoughts that I have (even if they're not always positive happy thoughts). It means to investigate the questions my mind raises to conventional things. It means that if/when I find the courage to change something for the better, to go ahead and do it. It means if I feel something is truly right, to follow my instinct even if I'm alone. It also means to find the ability within yourself to take care of yourself.

Some people may believe freedom = selfishness, or too much time thinking about yourself. But in reality, if we look at the big picture, we're all a part of a big community, interconnected in more than one way with millions of people around the world. We are like the foundations on which a house can be built and be bolstered up. If, as parts of this important foundation, we do not look after ourselves and our needs, how can we be individually strong parts? Subsequently, we can't really be a strong part of the teams we build. Essentially, if one cannot take care of themselves, they can't be a integral part of the system they are a part of. And THAT can be extremely important in knowing one's value.

Finding yourself or finding courage do not have to be such difficult things to achieve. For most of us, it would be as simple as opening up our eyes, ears, and hearts more.