Have you ever heard of those animals that have been in captivity for so long that the keeper could open the gate and the animal would make to attempt to go beyond the threshold? Or worse, leave momentarily, get nervous and willingly return? Humans are much the same. We know full well we can go anywhere, do anything, and be "free". Yet we return to the same unsatisfying job, lifestyle or relationship day after day, as if someone else holds the key to the cage we create for ourselves.

Exiting the cage can be as simple as looking at the situation in a new way or embracing the situation as it is. Probably the worst cage I've created is the one lined with my inability to let myself enjoy a moment or a person without worrying about the next step I might take.

A lot of times when I'm talking with someone about their personal hopes and goals, they list for me all the reasons why they won't do these things. Here are a few I've heard:

o I have to pay off my ____(car, house, credit card) first.
o I'm too busy.
o I'm too old.
o I'm too young.
o Maybe someday.
o It's not the right time.
o I wouldn't know where to begin.
o I'm not used to it.
o People would think I'm crazy.
o People like me just don't do that.
o I don't know what would happen.

I've said all the above "reasons" myself. But today, as I imagine myself standing in a cage with the door wide open, every reason to remain on my perch sounds as ridiculous as they truly are.

Penny Rene'

___________________________

Escape Artist

by ric masten

if freedom
is nothing more
than being able
to choose
your own cage
as I suggest it is
then perhaps
the fun comes
in being
an escape artist

perhaps
the good life
the full life
is nothing more
than every once
in a while
pulling yourself
through a hole
in the roof
standing triumphant
looking down
with a "hot Damn!"
and then around
with a frustrated
"oh shit!"