Growing up in Jamaica, Queens, during the 80s and early 90s wasn’t exactly what most people picture when they think about spirituality. Back then, survival was the name of the game, and freedom? That wasn’t something we even thought about in spiritual terms. Freedom meant dodging the pitfalls of the streets, hustling to keep the lights on, or getting out of a tough situation. But here’s the thing: the very idea of freedom—what it really means—has a spiritual core, even for those of us shaped by urban grit and inner-city resilience… spiritual freedom.
Let’s talk about what freedom really is, why it’s tied to your soul, and how living as if you’re divinely free can transform your life.
What Does Freedom Mean?
Freedom, in the spiritual sense, isn’t about where you live, what you do, or how much money you’ve got. It’s not even about escaping tough circumstances. Freedom is a state of being. It’s understanding that your soul—your core essence—is untouchable by any external limitation.
Growing up, we thought freedom was about independence: being able to handle your own, make your own choices, and not have to answer to anyone. And yeah, there’s power in that. But true freedom, the kind that comes from the Divine, isn’t about breaking away from something. It’s about realizing that you were never bound in the first place.
Think about it. If the Divine—God, the Universe, whatever you call It—is infinite and free, and your soul is an extension of that Divinity, then by nature, you’re free too. Nothing can truly limit your soul, not the hardships of life, not the mistakes you’ve made, and not the fear that tries to hold you back.
Finding Spiritual Freedom in the Grind
When you’re raised in a place like Jamaica, Queens, during a time when crack epidemics hit families and opportunity felt like a pipe dream, it’s easy to feel like you’re locked in. For a lot of us, freedom wasn’t even part of the conversation. It was about surviving, making it out, and trying to beat the odds. But even in the grind, there were moments of something bigger—something that made you feel alive, unchained, and connected.
For me, those moments came when I realized I wasn’t just my circumstances. Yeah, life was hard, and the streets had rules, but my soul? My soul was bigger than all of that. It was untouchable. And the more I leaned into that idea, the more I felt a shift—not just in how I saw myself, but in how I moved through the world.
Spiritual freedom doesn’t mean ignoring reality. It means recognizing that you’re more than the reality in front of you. It means acting as if you’re free, even when everything around you tries to convince you otherwise. That’s where the power lies.
Acting As If You’re Free
Here’s the challenge: act like you’re free, right now. Not after you get the promotion, not after you move out of your neighborhood, not after you hit whatever goal you’ve set for yourself. Right now.
Freedom is a mindset, and when you carry yourself like you’re free—when you walk, talk, and live as if nothing holds you back—you start to see life differently. You make decisions from a place of abundance instead of fear. You take risks because you know your soul isn’t at stake. And most importantly, you let go of the need to prove yourself because you realize there’s nothing to prove.
For me, this shift started when I stopped living for other people’s validation. Growing up, you had to have a tough exterior; otherwise, the world would eat you alive. But being tough doesn’t mean being disconnected from your emotions or pretending you don’t care. Real freedom is being able to own your feelings, your vulnerabilities, and your truth without apology.
Breaking Free from Fear
Fear is the biggest enemy of freedom. It tells you that you’re not enough, that you’ll never make it, or that you need to conform to survive. Fear shows up as self-doubt, anxiety, and sometimes anger. But here’s the kicker: fear only has power if you believe it.
When you understand that your soul is an extension of the Divine—completely free, untouchable, and whole—fear starts to lose its grip. You realize that no matter what happens, no one can take away who you truly are.
Back in the day, I used to think being fearless meant not caring about anything or anyone. But now I know that real fearlessness comes from caring deeply—about your life, your purpose, and the people you love—but not letting fear dictate your choices.
The Soul as Your Guide
If freedom is the natural state of your soul, then connecting with your soul is the fastest way to reclaim your freedom. The problem is, most of us spend our time disconnected from it. We’re caught up in the grind, the drama, or the distractions. But the more you reconnect with your soul, the more you tap into that divine freedom.
Here are some simple ways to connect with your soul:
- Silence the Noise: Take time to sit quietly, away from distractions, and listen to your inner voice. This doesn’t have to be fancy—just five minutes of stillness can make a difference.
- Ask Big Questions: What does freedom mean to you? What would you do if you weren’t afraid? Let yourself dream without limits.
- Trust Your Instincts: Your soul already knows what’s best for you. Pay attention to those gut feelings and inner nudges—they’re often the voice of your true self.
- Practice Gratitude: Even in the toughest times, there’s something to be grateful for. Gratitude shifts your focus from lack to abundance, reminding you of the freedom you already have.
Living the Divine Freedom
Living as if you’re divinely free doesn’t mean life gets easier. It means you stop letting the hard stuff define you. It means you show up with confidence, knowing that your soul is bigger than any challenge you face.
For those of us who grew up in tough environments, this mindset can feel like a revolution. It’s a shift from survival mode to thriving. It’s about realizing that you’re not just a product of your environment—you’re a divine being with infinite potential.
And once you embrace that freedom, you start to notice changes. You stop playing small. You stop letting fear hold you back. And you start living the life you were always meant to live.
Bringing It Home
If freedom is another name for God, then your soul is God’s reflection. It’s limitless, untouchable, and completely free. The streets of Jamaica, Queens, might have taught me resilience, but my soul taught me freedom. And that’s a lesson I carry with me every day.
So today, act as if you’re free. Not because your circumstances say you are, but because your soul knows it’s true. Walk with confidence, speak your truth, and live without apology. Freedom isn’t something you earn—it’s who you are.
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