The Full Flourishing of Human Freedom
Humanity's beauty lies in the richness of our unique differences…
Values.
Traditions.
Belief systems.
Each of these differences stem from cultural fractals—intricate patterns of evolution that have spiraled for millennia. Today, we experience them in our identities, shaping how we understand ourselves and relate to the world around us.
Yet, for many of us, these inherited identities remain unnoticed, unexamined, and unspoken. We are often left confined within rigid cultural frameworks that can limit our growth, self-expression, and authentic connection.
In order to move towards the full flourishing of human freedom, both individually and collectively, it’s necessary to reflect. We must courageously and curiously examine the beliefs we’ve inherited, deprogram ourselves from stagnant or unhelpful identities, and consciously create new ones that help us thrive…
Article Inspired by: Jason Silva
“When we cling to our beliefs, we are not seeing the world as it is, but rather as we are.”
—J. Krishnamurti
As humans, we crave predictability and order for the safety and stability they provide. Societal systems and cultural beliefs offer this structure, forming the foundation for attachment, connection, belonging, and growth.
However, when these belief systems become overly rigid, they can stifle our expression, connection, and growth. Instead of serving as secure foundations, they become cages that confine us. In response, we subconsciously cling to any semblance of familiarity:
We closely cling to job titles.
We relentlessly return to rigid routines.
We wrap ourselves around religious labels and political teams.
In the field of psychology, this is commonly known as the Conformist Stage of Loevinger’s ego development theory… (Click here to learn more about ego development theory.)
At this stage, the ego acts as a self-defense mechanism, clinging to these identities and causing the body to subtly tense in ways that restrict genuine self-expression and connection with others. This can be described as the "clamping down" effect, where we take these identities so seriously that they limit independent thought, authentic expression, and personal autonomy.
In a sense, these identities become bugs in the operating systems of our brains. Like outdated computer programs, they slow us down, preventing us from functioning at full capacity and sometimes even working against us…
"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate."
—C.G. Jung
Just as ideological clinging hinders our own growth, it can also be divisive, creating a barrier to true connection with others.
When we lack awareness of these deeply-held identities, we risk projecting our beliefs and biases onto those around us, subconsciously hoping they will adopt our perspectives. We often identify so strongly with these beliefs that we feel compelled to defend them, leading to arguments and, on a larger scale, even war.
To prevent such conflicts, it is each person’s responsibility to raise awareness of their subconscious beliefs and explore new ways of expression and connection. This journey begins with embracing contemplative practices and reflecting on questions like:
How much of what I believe is truly mine, and how much has been shaped by outside influences?
How do my beliefs impact my connection with others and the world around me?
Are these beliefs helping me move toward understanding and unity, or are they creating division and separation?
If our brains can be programmed in one way, they can also be reprogrammed in another, with the operating systems of our choosing. Our beliefs and identities can become liberating forces, guiding us toward greater authenticity and self-discovery.
With this, we begin to take control of our lives and shape our ego into a structure that leads to liberation…
"Once we realize the extraordinary power we have to compose our lives, we'll move from passive, conditioned thinking to being co-creators of our fate."
—Jason Silva
As we become more aware of our inherited beliefs and biases, we naturally begin to question what truly matters to us:
We deepen our sense of self-awareness.
We craft our own set of core values.
We embrace the unique set of traits and passions within us that yearn to be expressed.
(Click here to re-discover what truly matters to you.)
Through this journey, we undergo psychological processes of integration and actualization. The ego gradually transforms into a self-designed structure for liberation, allowing us to express ourselves more freely and expand beyond what we once thought was possible.
With time and patience, we grow increasingly comfortable and confident in our own skin, understanding that we are on a path of increasing authenticity.
This newfound confidence allows us to be more present with others, no longer taking offense at differing opinions, but recognizing them as opportunities to learn and refine our character. We develop the ability to listen with intention and respond consciously, communicating from a place of curiosity, receptivity, and deep understanding.
This is the full flourishing of human freedom: reconnecting with ourselves, with one another, and with all of life…
And it begins with the courage to question and challenge our culturally-conditioned beliefs.
May we flourish in freedom, embracing authenticity, compassion, and deeper connection with one another.
Max Kristopher Komes
www.MaxKomes.com
Max Komes is a master’s-level mental health professional and author in Pensacola, Florida. His philosophy is that each and every individual holds wellsprings of wisdom within them, and with the right tools, can access this wisdom to live purposeful, peaceful, and resilient lives.
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This writing is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you have imminent health concerns, please call 1-800-NAMI.
