autonomy

I've been thinking about the word autonomy.

Autonomy:
1. self government
2. (philosophy) the capacity to make an informed, uncoerced decision.
3. (mechanics) the capacity of a system to make a decision about its actions with the involvement of another system or operator.

From Ancient Greek αὐτονομία (autonomia) from αὐτόνομος (autonomos) from αὐτός (autos), “‘self’”) + νόμος (nomos), “‘law’”)

(thank you wikipedia)

In discussion as to what it means to be free, there are many interpretations. I argue that much of what begins one to express desire for freedom is found in the external realm. For example, a career change, a location change, a change in appearance, dress, personal hygiene, relationships. However, these things do not allow for actual freedom to be experienced because there are still limitations with the body/physical. Actual 'freedom', whatever it may be, seems only found internally via the external.

So for example, I often equate freedom with an empty mind, one not cluttered with preconceived notions. The few times I have come to brush the surface of this possibility, has only been after extreme movement (ie a day spent only in movement). I am left to fall asleep with freedom, my body so exhausted and well used, my mind has the opportunity to BEGIN good thought. Often, I have found after a day of hearty physical exertion, I am able to open a book and, well, read, with freedom from my mind's usual business.

So what does this have to do with autonomy.

I have, in the past, equated freedom with being autonomous. An ability to not only govern the self, but to survive without help from others. To be able to reach a point where looking about you, there is no one who can assist you (in whatever it is, decision making, life advice, climbing up a mountain and cooking your dinner alone) You are forced to turn to yourself. If one has never done this, they do not realize the power that rests within themselves. And while being autonomous is great, independent strain, idealized, I think that autonomy is imperative in building good relationships. This is because the autonomous individual does not expect things from others. Two completely autonomous individuals co-existing seems to me, ideal.

Being autonomous does not mean that you are unaffected by things external as well as others. Being autonomous may even allow for deeper emotional reaction. Reaction that does not rock you off your axis, but enables one to see the fruits and colors, feel the textures of the world a bit more.

Capitalism is based off of the idea of autonomy, therefore freedom. A constant reliance upon government and others does not allow one to experience the freedom existing within themselves (and i believe it is possible for everyone) However, our society limits the ability to be autonomous unless you intentionally seek it out. Our families, our friends, our schools, our jobs, our cities become things we depend upon. Autonomy is achievable in every circumstance, but it takes work and intention.

When going to the ballet barre, no one else can extend arabesque for me. When climbing a mountain, no one else can carry me. I like things that force me to be autonomous. And I like learning how to be in a place that breeds a lack of autonomy and attempting to remain autonomous.

And maybe it's okay, while learning, to have someone hold your hand...

but not for too long.

If they like you enough, they'll let go because they want you to be free.






On a less philosophical note: a raincoat is a great investment
On an even less philosophical note: so is coffee.



Ce va!