Some of the most comfortable times in my life have been in natural locations while I was alone. I remember numerous instances of sitting in nature, enjoying the scenery, completely alone, and quite happy. I think about those times , how relaxed I was, the clarity of my thoughts, a clean feeling that engulfed my entire being. This was true freedom. This was independence. There was nothing really special about those moments. No great occurances, no overwhelming experiances. Just a subtil, serene existance, a true state of being. So I begin to question why I could experiance this phenomena at times of solitude, yet the same experiance seemed to be out of reach on a more permanent bases. After extensive examination, I found there existed barriers which prevent me from enjoying this blissful state. Also, I was exasperated to discover that I had placed the barriers myself.

All of us, to a certain extent, block ourselves from a true state of happiness. We learn these behaviors from a very early age. As we observe other peoples reactions to certain types of behaviors, be it our own or other peoples, we adapt our behavior to become acceptable to those around us. This practice has positive and negative conotations. The positive aspects are grounded in our learning process in regards to our morals and values. This is the venue which allows us to gain a set of principles that will give positive guidance through out our life time. There is also the negative aspects as well. Socially these practices can cause many problems in our lives. However, the root of those problems are not frequently addressed due to their being so common. Many references have been made to " the masks that we wear ", but few realize just how damaging those masks can be to our personal freedoms and happiness. We see people make judgments in connection with particular behaviors, we then alter our own behaviors, and in some instances we begin to make judgments ourselves. So we build barriers, fearing that we might be judged. We imprison characteristics that are a part of who we are. Some choose not to sing, dance, write, or any number of different things from fear of ridicule and judgement. So we cage ourselves in fear and sacrafice true happiness, sometimes angrily striking out in ridicule ourselves.

True happiness exists only when a person can be true to themselves. I believe that we forget quite often, that human beings are creators. Whether in the practical realm of engineering, or the creative realm of the arts, we create. Some of us have been caged so long, we've forgotten or never learned, what our passions are. Only through overcoming our fears, stepping out into who we really are, will we find freedom. This is not an easy matter. It involves self-acceptance, and a STRONG disregard for the negative judgementalism and ridiculing of others. Courage is demanded in the face of true independence, especially for those who have spent their lives pleasing others. The rewards however can be overwhelming in relation to personal fulfillment. The true person that we are is inside of us. Our person does not require the approval of others to find happiness. Quite the opposite I would suggest. When we look within ourselves to find that recipe for our lives, and act upon our own desires, restricted only by our own morals and principles, it is then we find purpose and happiness.

If there is a void, or a sense of dullness, or a lack of fulfillment in your life, I say look inside. What is your passion? Where are your dreams? The answers will offer guidance, and give purpose to your life. It's not an easy thing to drop your gaurd. Courage, commitment, and dedication are all required. So I'll finish with a question. Do we seek a cage of fear, or to be naked, and free?