My Sacrifice by Creed

Photo by Basil James on Unsplash

What does it mean to be free? In this week’s song, My Sacrifice by Creed, the idea of freedom is explored from the perspective that it is a relational and psychological phenomenon.

I was at a festival last year when I saw the Russian punk protest band Pussy Riot. Band member Maria Alyokhina talked of finding freedom in a Russian prison when she came to the realisation, she always had the potential for choice when it came to how she conducted herself, even when in challenging and oppressive, damaging circumstances.

This idea of turning to self as our starting point in the concept of freedom is also reflected in this week’s song where the proponent announces their intention to engage their memory to recall the experience of perfect love:

Within my heart are memories of perfect love that you gave to me. Oh, I remember.

The foundation for our sense of freedom is not our present external experience, but our internal psychological resources. We can choose freedom in our mind. This is an important concept for our wellbeing as our external experiences are often beyond the locus of our control so finding peace within is a practical and attainable choice. The song puts it like this:

We’ve seen our share of ups and downs. Oh, how quickly life can turn around; in an instant. It feels so good to reunite, within yourself and within your mind. Let’s find peace there.

Yet there is still an external element to be explored. Not that of our experience, but that of our social capital; the resources of relationship. The song exclaims:

When you are with me, I’m free; I’m careless, I believe.

Often, when we are struggling to draw the strength we need from within, we can turn to the support of others to help us along the way. We need each other to be strong; independence through interdependence. This may mean becoming vulnerable and turning to someone you know this week and saying; I just want to say hello again. In doing so, you may just find peace there.

Need some help finding strength within and without? Why not consider booking an appointment with the author, Dr Dave Wood.
Book an appointment

Taken from the album: