What's the difference between Freedom and Independence?

What's the difference between freedom and independence?

This question has been with me all week, I've asked this question to a select group of colleagues, both coaches and magazine contributors. The varied perspectives, prompted me to ask you too.

As a coach, my focus is on the whole human, the physical, mental and spiritual elements of self. When I am working on the spiritual part of me, I read books, meditate, watch movies or TV, listen to music and exercise, to name a few of my practices that allow me to hear my intuition better.
I am often guided to a particular book, show or song in order to "get" the message or answer I am seeking. I always know when that moment comes and in this case it was the epic 1883 on Paramount and the incredible writing by the highly talented Taylor Sheridan. The quote that inspired this question, which I will share at the end, sparked my exploration of the difference between freedom and independence, which has been a deep one.

Freedom is a word that is everywhere, especially over the last few years, it's what most people are seeking, myself included. I can see how I, along with many have escaped control for independence but do we have freedom?

What I decided freedom is for me (right now), in it's authenticity, is this present moment. That's old news, there's many books written about it, however the practice of really being with the present moment and being in the experience of it, to feel the freedom of knowing that I, and only I am responsible for it and building strength in it, to master the skill of it excites me.

I love the idea that freedom is the adventure between birth and death, made up of longer moments savouring the present. The present moment is where we have absolute freedom over our thought, feelings, actions and therefore choices. Choice is such gift of humanity.

As you ponder this quote, what sparks for you?

What is the difference between freedom and independence for you?

"Freedom. To most, it is an idea. An abstract thought that pertains to control. That’s not freedom. That’s independence. Freedom is riding wild over untamed land with no notion any moment exists beyond the one you are living" Elsa Dutton

Until next Monday,
Coach Mel

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