Being a free spirit: meaning and characteristics

Being a free spirit is a challenge in the midst of a society that seeks to dilute us in the same patterns and conventions.. There is something heroic, and even eccentric, in these personalities. There is also a nuance of intentional carefreeness, of living with clear purposes, but without taking problems and obligations very seriously.

On the other hand, it is true that When talking about this profile of behavior and attitude, it is common to imagine someone who is not very attached to relationships. We immediately visualize them living in the classic motorhome, traveling from here to there and dressing in the style boho However, there are many free souls who are not nomads and who have their usual friends close by.

Because These types of people, in reality, what they do is live according to their ideals and heart.. They have their own comfort zone and do not want to accommodate other patterns, scenarios or dynamics that are not theirs. Your ideals are your home and that is your most defining characteristic.

Being a free spirit often involves challenging conventions and unwritten social norms.

The characteristics of a free spirit

If there is a figure who laid the foundations for what it means to be a free thinker and not let oneself be conditioned by society, it was Friedrich Nietzsche.. in his book Beyond Good and Evil explains that the free spirit is that person who maintains his criteria above the set of demands and social reinforcers. He thinks and assumes responsibility for his decisions, so that by feeling good and others seeing him, he can serve as an example for the latter.

The fact of safeguarding our judgment from the prevailing thoughts is what grants us true freedom; because without freedom of thought it is very difficult for there to be freedom to proceed. Also of great psychological well-being.

Let’s think, for example, about how much anxiety we would get rid of if we let go of all the pressures that come to us from the outside. Let’s imagine what it would mean to not obsess over what others expect or think of us.

Being a free spirit is an act of rebellion in a world that seeks to hold us back and condition us. It is true that such everyday realities as paying mortgages, having a mobile phone company, electricity, gas, having to meet deadlines, following fashions and references are necessary moorings to live in society. But also big stressors.

People with this profile seek to avoid this and other types of traditional dynamics. They go against the grain, but their approach is thoughtful, deep and meaningful. Let’s now look at the characteristics defined by a free spirit.

Solitude, a safe and pleasant space

That’s how it is. For those who prioritize freedom, solitude is their second home and that safe space where they can recharge their batteries and listen to themselves. The world is a very noisy, contradictory and even chaotic place. Free spirits need that chosen solitude to find meaning in their lives, also to practice psychological distance.

This refuge of calm is the essential daily space to reflect, to connect with your authentic essences.

The constant search for meaning and depth in each situation

If there is something that these personalities hate, it is superficial behaviors. If you have a conversation with someone, you will touch on philosophical, existential topics with great psychological and emotional depth. They hate small talk and also empty people, who imitate others, who do not think for themselves.

The most decisive thing is to find meaning and significance in each moment lived.

Dynamism and multiple passions (open mind)

We often tend to experience a certain rejection when someone changes their mind from one day to the next. The truth is If there is one aspect that defines free spirits, it is their ability to rethink their thoughts and change their ideas.. Something that, without a doubt, is more beneficial than we think.

Because nothing is as necessary as learning, unlearning, rethinking ideas and thinking patterns to replace them with more updated ones. This cognitive flexibility is very present in this profile. They are defined by a mind open to new perspectives, Full of curiosity and passionate about everything life can teach you.

They are aware that they do not fit into today’s society

Free spirits exist thanks to their ability not to conform to ordinary social structures – they have that possibility and choose whether to do so or not. It is difficult for them to keep the same job, they do not agree with many of the political ideas, they do not understand the modern worldso dominated by social networks and immediacy.

They are aware that they do not fit into today’s society and that “Being yourself”, following your own ideals, sometimes brings you more problems than benefits. Despite this, they do not give up being who they want to be. His ideals are his home, and freedom, his daily fuel.

Philosophy professor Christa Davis Acampora of the Hunter College This was already highlighted in a study. The concept of free spirit contains positive aspects, but also other more complex ones that reveal the uniqueness of this personality.

Free spirits do not usually cling to the same place for long.

They practice material detachment

Many of us do it. We cling to a house, a physical space, a place, and even a set of objects. And often, this priority need is also the origin of much of our suffering. Because we never have enough, because paying for them costs us our lives. Also because what is material is not as important as what is not seen. (emotions, affections, relationships…).

Free spirits do not give value to material things because they hate what is disposable, they prefer the solidity of their ideals, their dreams and values. Independence requires the courage to take root and embrace the movement, the force of change, that healthy detachment that does not cling too much to certain realities.

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