Verse 

There’s been a successful 
Branding initiative 
Of defining escapism 
As freedom.

Any activity that temporarily 
Numbs your mind 
Or keeps you distracted 
Long enough to forget 
All the pain 
You’re aware of or not.

This is escapism 
In its truest sense. 
This is not freedom. 

Branding initiative 
Notwithstanding.

True freedom is the
Full and live functioning
Of all your faculties
In the present moment.
It is totally experiencing 
Life in all its glory.

Joy or sorrow.
Pleasure or pain.
Irrelevant.

Contrary to everything 
I’d been conditioned to believe, 
I found true freedom 
In taking responsibility 
For my current situation 
And taking thoughtful 
Concrete action to become 
Who I want to be;
To reach my new goals 
And destination.

a*k²

If you’d like to read this content as you work through it, find the podcast episode on my website link in the bio: www.atimesksquared.com.