The Many Layers of Freedom: Exploring Expansion in Authenticity and Sovereignty
Hey there! Today, I want to explore something that’s been coming up a lot—freedom. Not just the surface-level idea of freedom, but the deep, expansive, multi-layered experience of what it means to be truly free.
Most people think about freedom in a very physical, external way—freedom from oppression, freedom from external control, freedom to move, speak, and live as they choose. And those aspects are important. But freedom also exists on an energetic level, within our beliefs, our relationships, our work, and most importantly, within our sense of self.
So let’s dig in. What does it actually mean to be free?
Freedom Beyond the Physical
When people think of historical examples of freedom, they might think of slavery ending, countries gaining independence, or legal systems shifting to allow more autonomy. And while these moments are powerful, they only scratch the surface of what true freedom really is.
Energetic freedom, for example, is often viewed through the lens of external forces. Some believe that energies, people, or systems can impose limitations upon them. But here’s the thing—I don’t subscribe to that. I believe that everything we experience is filtered through our own programs and beliefs. If we perceive something as an external force holding us back, that perception itself is part of our belief system. And beliefs can change.
When we step into greater awareness, we start to realize that freedom isn’t about breaking out of an external cage—it’s about dismantling the internal walls we’ve built around ourselves. And the more we remove those walls, the more we experience what I call core frequency freedom—the freedom of being fully, unapologetically yourself.
Authenticity as the Gateway to Freedom
Freedom isn’t just about what we do—it’s about who we are. The more masks we remove, the more we allow our core frequency to shine. Authenticity is one of the purest expressions of freedom.
Think about it: Have you ever felt trapped in a version of yourself that wasn’t truly you? Maybe you’ve molded yourself to fit into relationships, work environments, or societal expectations. But the moment you start peeling away those layers and embracing your true self, you start to experience a new kind of freedom—the kind that doesn’t rely on external circumstances.
This is why so many people in the gender non-conforming, trans, and neurodivergent communities are such beautiful examples of freedom in action. They’re embodying their truth, often in the face of societal resistance, and showing us all what it looks like to exist beyond the limitations of rigid labels. Their courage to be fully themselves reflects the possibility within each of us.
Freedom doesn’t have to be about grand rebellion or renouncing everything—it can be as simple as choosing to express yourself in the way that feels most aligned.
Freedom in Work, Relationships, and Daily Life
Many people feel a lack of freedom in their day-to-day lives, whether in their jobs, relationships, or societal structures. The 9-5 work structure, for example, can feel like a cage for many, as can certain laws, governmental restrictions, or financial limitations.
But here’s the key—freedom isn’t necessarily about breaking all the rules or rejecting systems outright. It’s about asking: Where am I still holding onto the belief that I am stuck? When we start shifting those beliefs, we find new ways to create more flexibility in our lives.
For some, that means leaving traditional jobs and creating their own businesses. For others, it means shifting their mindset around work and finding more autonomy within existing structures. And for those who crave even more sovereignty, it might mean exploring off-grid living, alternative economies, or other creative ways of existing outside the norm.
Freedom is about choice—and recognizing that we always have more of it than we think.
Ancient Wisdom on Freedom
Ancient cultures have long understood that freedom is not just an external condition but an internal state of being. Indigenous traditions often emphasize the interconnectedness of all things—freedom is not about detaching from responsibility but about aligning with one’s true nature.
In many wisdom traditions, the idea of inner liberation is central. For example:
Taoism teaches that true freedom comes from living in harmony with the natural flow of the universe, rather than resisting it.
Buddhism speaks of liberation from suffering through detachment—not detachment from life itself, but from rigid expectations and attachments that keep us bound.
Many shamanic traditions see freedom as a return to the self, an undoing of conditioned beliefs that disconnect us from our natural state of being.
These teachings remind us that freedom isn’t about getting somewhere—it’s about returning to who we truly are.
The Psychology of Freedom
Science backs up that our experience of freedom is deeply tied to our mindset and nervous system regulation.
Psychological studies show that a person’s perceived freedom often matters more than their actual external circumstances. If you believe you have choices, you feel more empowered—whereas if you believe you are trapped, you experience higher stress levels and decreased cognitive flexibility.
Neuroscience has shown that when we feel a sense of autonomy, our brains release dopamine, the feel-good chemical associated with motivation and happiness.
Flow states, a concept in psychology, suggest that true freedom happens when we are so fully engaged in an activity that we lose our sense of time and self-consciousness. These states often occur when we are fully aligned with what we love—whether that’s creative expression, movement, or meaningful work.
Integrating More Freedom into Your Life
So, how do we actively cultivate more freedom?
Examine Your Beliefs: Where do you feel stuck? What stories have you been telling yourself about what is or isn’t possible? Challenge those stories and open up to new perspectives.
Embrace Authenticity: Where in your life are you still wearing a mask? Start removing small layers, even if it’s just allowing yourself to express your thoughts more openly.
Create More Choice: Even within restrictive systems, you always have choices. Look for areas where you can shift your mindset or actions to invite more flexibility.
Play with Possibility: Instead of feeling locked into a rigid identity or routine, allow yourself to explore new ways of being. Try something new—whether it’s a hobby, a way of dressing, or a new approach to work or relationships.
Regulate Your Nervous System: The more at ease your body feels, the more likely you are to experience a sense of internal freedom. Breathwork, movement, and mindfulness can all help. I recently wrote a blog post about play and how it’s a beautiful tool for nervous system regulation.
Closing Thoughts: Freedom Is Already Yours
Freedom isn’t something we have to achieve—it’s something we can remember. It’s about reclaiming the sovereignty that is already within us, peeling back the layers of conditioning that have told us otherwise.
So, my invitation to you is this: Where in your life can you choose more freedom today? Maybe it’s in your expression, your choices, your beliefs, or simply in the way you allow yourself to be. Whatever it is, know that you are already whole, already free, and already powerful beyond measure.
Love to you, always.
*I HIGHLY recommend checking out Native and Indigenous sources to do a deeper dive into the topic covered. The very short paragraph included here has the intention to bring awareness to this perspective, but not speak for it. Please check out more in depth information directly from the source!
