Freedom To vs Freedom From

Sean Greenspan
7 days ago
3 min read

We want freedom from our mind, not freedom to do things, although we might think that's what we want.

This is not an idea that I feel is original by any means. The first time I heard this was in the Almanac of Naval Ravikant.

Book cover titled "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant" by Eric Jorgenson. Foreword by Tim Ferriss. Claims one million copies sold. Minimalist design.

He talked about how, at a younger age, he wanted the freedom to do things, the freedom to travel, to take off work, to buy things, to experience things.

As he’s aged, he’s been looking for freedom from. Freedom from his mind, mainly, and from desires.

I was listening to a YouTube video last night, and I actually don’t know who it was. But the topic came up, and I really had a chance to think about it.

I’m sitting here healing from a back injury, where I haven’t had the freedom to do much. I’ve basically been on my back or doing physical therapy for six or seven days now.

But I have freedom from my mind because I realized there’s no need to suffer.

What struck me was how the guy I was listening to explained this. It really cracked something open for me when he said: “If you’re thinking about food at two o’clock and maybe you’re not going to eat until six, you could either intervene and go get yourself food, or you can wait until it’s time to eat.”

He continued, “You might think having the freedom to eat whenever you want is freedom, but true freedom is having the freedom from your mind to not give food any attention until it is time to eat. And freedom from your desires to not act.

The first option represents the freedom to do things. That feels to me egoic. It feels like a lack of discipline. It feels like being a slave to your desires. Oh, I need food. I’m hungry. I’m going to get food.

We’re putting that on the same level, where both ways will nourish you. But having the discipline to wait, to free your mind, and to put your energy into this present moment allows you to truly be present—and that’s where life happens. That’s where everything happens.

Silhouette of a person walking behind frosted glass panels in a dark setting, creating a mysterious, monochrome mood.

It’s only freedom from that can give you true happiness and presence. I think a lot of us are overly proud, from an egoic standpoint, to have the freedom to do things.

Another example he used was: if your wife is out on vacation, sure, you have the freedom to cheat on her. That is not freedom. That is caving into desires. I think that example makes this even clearer. You’ve created a plan for yourself.

Now you stick to the plan. Your plan is: I’m in a monogamous relationship, and you stick to that.

For me right now, it’s funny because I’ve been forced to do things differently.

I’m lying in a dark basement by myself, and it’s 75 and sunny outside. I could have the freedom to go mountain biking, trail running, backcountry skiing, or even just take a walk outside. But I’m not putting my mind there.

I’m here in this basement meditating, writing, doing rehab—and I’m here completely. Today, I want people to think about the freedom from their mind and not to look at things they can do as things they should do.

Raked gravel in concentric circles, creating a serene pattern. The uniform white pebbles and shadows evoke a calm, meditative mood.

I think it’s important to set a plan for yourself—daily plans, weekly plans, how you’re going to spend your time. Not down to the minute, but a general plan—and stick to that.

That’s how you build the skill to have freedom from.

You can explore more of my blog here!

Or just hang out and feel a little more of that happiness energy here!

Make sure you don’t miss the latest stories, reflections, and updates along the way!

LET'S GROW TOGETHER!