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Freedom Beyond Oppression: Cultivating Personal Power

Writer's picture: Joanna Augusta LesterJoanna Augusta Lester

In times of political upheaval, many are experiencing deep fear and uncertainty about the impact of shifting policies—especially those that restrict bodily autonomy and limit pathways to building meaningful lives. These fears are valid. The freedoms provided (or denied) by society profoundly shape our experiences and opportunities. However, in the face of these external constraints, there remains another dimension of freedom—one that no policy can take away. This is the freedom found within.


External and Internal Freedom: Cage and Key

External freedom refers to the tangible rights and liberties afforded to us by the society in which we live. It encompasses access to healthcare, reproductive and bodily rights, legal protections, economic opportunities, and the ability to navigate life without oppressive barriers. When external freedom is threatened, it can feel as though the very foundation of our autonomy is slipping away. This is why activism, advocacy, and collective resistance are vital—because external freedom is not (and never has been) guaranteed but must be protected and expanded through conscious effort.

However, even in the most oppressive circumstances, there remains another kind of freedom—internal freedom. This is the capacity to shape our inner world, to cultivate resilience, to master our thoughts and emotions, and to define who we are beyond the conditions imposed upon us. Octavia Butler, in her Parable of the Sower series, illuminates the power of adaptation and self-determination amid crisis. Her protagonist, Lauren Olamina, embodies the truth that while external circumstances may be brutal and unstable, internal mastery is an unbreakable source of power. Change, she reminds us, is the only lasting constant—and those who learn to shape their responses to it wield the greatest power.

This does not mean we should accept injustice passively. Instead, it reminds us that no matter the external forces at play, we still hold power within. True personal power is not about dominance or control over others, but rather the ability to govern oneself—to stand rooted in clarity, conviction, and presence despite the chaos of the world. Personal Power: What It Is and What It Isn't

Personal power is often misunderstood. It is not about denying pain, bypassing suffering, or pretending oppressive factors do not exist. It is about recognizing that even in the most restrictive conditions, we have agency over our inner response, our focus, and our engagement with the world.

Jungian psychology provides a valuable perspective here. Carl Jung spoke of the importance of individuation—the process of becoming one’s true self. Despite the word "individuation" emphasizing the "individual," effective individuation is a relational process. This journey requires facing the shadow (our fears, wounds, and unexamined reactions), rather than being ruled by it. When we react from fear and rage alone, we risk being swept up in a collective panic that clouds discernment and depletes our energy. But when we cultivate inner awareness, we can act from a place of conscious choice rather than reflexive reactivity.

To hold both external awareness and internal mastery is to walk a path of deep wisdom. This is not spiritual bypassing. It is not about ignoring pain or injustice. It is about seeing with clear eyes—acknowledging suffering while refusing to let it define the totality of existence. This is what makes transformative action possible.


The Collective Dream and the Influence of Inner Transformation

Each of us is a participant in the collective dream of our shared reality. The more we feed into fear, the more that fear shapes the world around us. But the more we embody vision, courage, and resilience, the more we influence the larger narrative.

As Jung noted, "Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." Awakening to our own power means recognizing that the work of change begins within. If we want a world that honors freedom and personal sovereignty, we must remember and cultivate these qualities within ourselves. The internal shapes the external, just as the external pressures the internal. They are in constant dialogue.

Therapy Transforms You—and the World Around You

In my work as a therapist, I help clients navigate both the psychological impact of external oppression and the cultivation of internal resilience. Through parts work, depth psychology, and somatic therapy, I support people in untangling reactive fear from grounded wisdom. I offer a space to process grief, anger, and uncertainty while also guiding individuals toward a sense of inner agency and creative engagement with life.

Healing and empowerment are not separate from social change—they are integral to it. When we move from reactive states into conscious awareness, we engage the world more effectively, and from a place of deep presence rather than depletion. This work is both personal and political. It is about shaping a life—and a world—where freedom is not only protected externally but also deeply embodied within.


A Call to Action: Reclaiming Your Inner Freedom

The world is in flux, and it is natural to feel overwhelmed. But do not underestimate your power. You are not a passive recipient of history—you are an active participant in its unfolding. This begins with reclaiming the freedom that is always within your grasp: the freedom of thought, the freedom of choice, the freedom of perspective, and the freedom to cultivate personal mastery in the face of uncertainty.

If you are seeking guidance in navigating these complexities, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can explore the path of inner freedom and resilience, shaping a response to the world that is both wise and powerful.


Let us not be swept away by fear. Let us stand rooted in our own presence. The world is waiting for our engagement.


Contemplations

  • How do you define personal power, and where in your life do you feel the most empowered?

  • How do you navigate the balance between awareness of injustice and cultivating inner peace?

  • In what ways have you exercised internal freedom even when external circumstances felt limiting?

  • Who are the people, past, present, or fictional, that inspire you to cultivate both external and internal freedom?

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