The Freedom of Choice

 

By: Misty Murph'Ariens

 

In my last article, I said that freedom is something personally understood, applied and lived. But, how does this apply in a world where there are rules for everything and huge things are going on that seem beyond our control? Well, as far as I understand and apply it now, freedom is about choice. I have made the point before that by choosing to use affirmative language ('I'm good' instead of 'not too bad'), we reinforce positive neural connections. In short, we say a nice word, our brain connects it with other nice memories, the brain sends out 'happy' hormones. We feel good and our body functions at optimum. Although these are small changes, they add up to an overall more pleasant message without changing the content. So, not only do you feel better, a message that feels good is much more readily received by listeners than one that feels bad. What you choose to say and how to say it effects how we and others feel, too. We also choose our topics. True, in conversation we are interacting with others and their choices, but I think we have a lot more choice than we realize. Someone may initiate discussion about the dreadful weather, and we can talk about sore backs from shovelling and slushy sidewalks, or we can redirect to emphasize how much we are looking forward to spring. As an obvious environmentalist, I am met with many conversations on the topics of global warming, fracking, Steven Harper, the evils of money and the like. I get it. I have watched the documentaries and read the books. No doubt, bad things are going on in the world that we should be aware of. Ignoring these evils will not make them better. But, in a world where everything is racing toward destruction, what can we do? Dwelling on the vastness of problems makes one feel very small and helpless. Helpless people do not make conscious choices. I say, let's talk about the solutions. Sure, to suggest a solution one must make the point first that there is a problem to be solved, but let us move beyond this. The world was put in trouble by individuals making wrong choices, so if it can be helped, it will be by individuals making right choices. What choice do we have? If you don’t like GMOs, choose to buy organic. Don't want Walmart to take over the world? Choose to shop local. Concerned about global warming? Choose to drive less, consume less. Vote `yes` by what you do. Vote `no` by what you abstain from. These things may seem insignificant, but culture is a powerful force, and the more people do the right things and share their experiences, the more it will catch on. After all, Ghandi changed the laws and policies of a vast empire by walking, collecting sea salt and making his own clothes. We can still petition our government to protect the environment while gardening, composting, and going for walks. We can't do much if we are paralysed by fear and worry, making those around us feel helpless and guilty. It is my firm belief that all the evils that are perpetrated in the world are as a result of dwelling on negativity. A perception of scarcity is what leads people to cheat, steal and horde. When we feel abundant, happy and well-adjusted, we are all more inclined to be helpful, understanding and productive. So what we talk about and how we feel about it makes a huge difference to how we act. This all comes down to choice. One thing is for sure, no one ever attempts anything they think is impossible. It is possible for everyone, no matter how small, to make a difference in the world. In fact, we are making a difference whether we want to or not. The question is, what kind of difference? So, when you see a problem in the world, one that breaks your heart, ask yourself, 'What can I start to do about that now?' Let your heart break wide open, and as Ghandi said and lived, choose to “Be the change you want to see in the world.”