Jivanmukta

Jivanmukta is a Sanskrit word which translates to “liberated being” — not transformed being, not created being, but liberated being. We are the ones tasked with and responsible for our own liberation. In other words, it is all you. Ain’t no one gonna free you but yourself.

I experience two feelings when I hear this. The first is terror because holy crap, this feels like a huge responsibility, and I’m skeptical that I am strong/ smart/ capable/ creative/ resilient/ deserving (feel free to add your own doubts/insecurities) enough to pull it off. Isn’t there someone out there who can write me a script or hand me a formula to follow?! I’m an excellent and obedient student; I’ll do exactly as I’m told and I’ll do it exceedingly well. But alas… that’s just not how it works.

Next, I experience exhilaration because somewhere deep beyond all my doubts I know that we (each and every one of us) wouldn’t be required to free ourselves if it wasn’t possible. So, that must mean I am capable and powerful enough to liberate myself. Well then, hot damn, let’s do this!

Diego Perez is the writer behind the pen name Yung Pueblo. The name Yung Pueblo means “young people” and is said to serve as a reminder to him of his Ecuadorian roots, his experience in activism, and that the collective of humanity is in the midst of important growth. His favorite word: liberation.

“how to lead yourself:
1. develop a relationship with your intuition
2. have the courage to follow its guidance”

— yung pueblo

I find resting in child’s pose/balasana to be an effective means of connecting to one’s intuition. The next time you’re in child’s pose, connect to your child, maybe infant self who is totally free. Who is 100% connected to and completely unapologetic for her truest Self. Who has not yet learned to doubt, restrict, alter, or limit her uniquely perfect self. For whose mind the thought has not yet entered that she even could, let alone ought to be anything other than the pure expression of that Self. Who is guided solely by her intuition. Follow her back home.

As for the courage part of the equation, you’ve already got it. You are courageous every single time you get quiet and listen, breathe into your belly, choose to stay when an uncomfortable feeling arises, choose curiosity instead of criticism, really show up for yourself and do the work. Your bottomless well of courage is called upon every time you dare to inquire, uncover, and step into your light.