I have not really written much this year. It's been one of those years all round it seems and energies have gone else where, so hello reader, welcome! Here, I've been learning, growing and learning to enjoy the journey I'm on. As someone who is known for loving her freedom; the expansive open road, the spontaneous fluidity of travelling to the song of my heart, I've surprised myself recently.
I moved to London this year. Started to establish a business here, teaching yoga and running workshops. I've been in a relationship with my partner Jack for long enough to break through the 'honey moon period of wishful thinking' and I am training in Kundalini Yoga. It's been a landing process and one adapts even to London. Nevertheless I look at this and a part of me wonders how on earth did I get settled? How did the free spirited single lady world traveler appear in a city such as London and then tend to general domesticated life chores and not freak the hell out?!
Something occurred to me that I thought to share. My initial ideas of freedom were tied up in ideals around 'doing what I want, when I want' mentality that this attitude was a manifestation of freedom. In hindsight - though grateful to have explored it - I was immature. What I've learned about freedom, in my experience, is that true freedom starts internally.
It is the freedom to be me; without fear, without self-doubt.
Embodying my true self, without living (or buying into) a limiting box of social expectation is for me, freedom. Some of the most inspiring people I have met on the road have been confidently themselves in all their zany, beautifully honest and quirky ways. Their creative energy emanates freedom; free expression without judgement or frankly care for being anyone but themselves.
There are ways in which people are expected to behave and often rightly so (the kids might run amuck!). But nevertheless I encourage everyone to find their avenue for expressing themselves completely. As wildly - albeit safely - as they wish! Repressing emotions I've learned can lead to depression, disease and even illness. So journal, write, dance, sing, paint, converse and love yourself all the way through.
But most of all, just be you.
Yours,
Jess x
Props to Rob Campbell who dropped me the line 'keep being you' along while ago. I got it Rob.
