Reciprocity, Revenge, and Real Freedom
A Yogic Take on True Liberation
I don’t usually address political topics in my work, as my focus is on holistic wellness and inner peace. However, if I am to stay true to the teachings of yoga, I feel it is important to speak up when certain narratives distort the true meaning of liberation.
What is Liberation?
Liberation, or moksha, is about freeing yourself from stress, worries, and the constant chase for more. It’s realizing that true peace isn’t found in things outside of us—it’s already within. Imagine feeling at ease no matter what happens around you. That’s liberation.
Recently, April 2 has been declared “Liberation Day” in the U.S. due to new tariffs being placed on goods. However, from a yogic perspective, true liberation is not tied to external policies or material things. Instead, it is about releasing attachment to external things and finding wholeness within ourselves.
True reciprocity is a balance of giving and receiving, where both sides contribute with mutual respect rather than conflict. It is not about taking something in return as an act of retribution, but about recognizing our interconnectedness and supporting each other’s well-being in a reciprocal way. In yogic philosophy, this idea is reflected in seva, or selfless service, where acts of kindness benefit not just the giver but the whole community. Learn more about yogic philosophy with my yama and niyama series Here.
How to Find Liberation in Daily Life
You don’t need to live in a ashram to experience liberation. Simple practices can help:
Self-Reflection: Take a few moments each day to check in with yourself. Journaling, meditating, or even a quiet walk can help you see what thoughts or habits are holding you back. For example, do you always feel the need to prove yourself at work, home, or in your social circle? Recognizing that is the first step to letting go of expectations.
Letting Go of Control: Life is unpredictable. Instead of fighting reality, try flowing with it. Think of a time you planned something perfectly, but it still didn’t go as expected. Maybe your outdoor wedding got rained out (true story😉), or a job opportunity fell through. Liberation is learning to accept and adapt without losing your peace.
Breath and Meditation: Deep breathing and meditation help quiet the mind and reconnect you with a sense of inner calm. Even just five minutes of slow breathing can help you reset during a stressful day.
Helping Others Without Expecting Anything in Return: Ever noticed how good it feels to help someone just because? Whether it’s holding the door open or volunteering, giving without expecting anything back frees you from self-centered worries and connects you to something bigger.
“The liberation of the earth, the liberation of women, the liberation of all humanity is the next step of freedom we need to work for, and it's the next step of peace that we need to create.”
-Vandana Shiva-
What Liberation is NOT
In today’s world, we often think freedom means having more money, success, or control. But true liberation isn’t:
Having lots of money or things. A bigger house or a new car might bring temporary joy, but inner peace doesn’t come from what we own.
Chasing happiness or avoiding discomfort. Real freedom isn’t about always being happy—it’s about being okay with whatever life brings, the good, the challenging, and the mediocre.
Being dependent on external changes. Policies, economies, and governments shift over time, but liberation comes from within. If our sense of freedom relies on external factors, we will always be chasing something beyond our control.
Trying to control everything. The more we try to control people or situations, the more frustrated we become. Liberation is about letting go and trusting life’s flow while not becoming attached to a certain outcome.
Finding Peace Within Liberation isn’t about escaping life—it’s about living in the present moment more fully. Remember, the present moment is the only moment we have. Living in the past or focusing heavily on the future brings about suffering. When we stop attaching our happiness to things outside of us, we open ourselves to a deep, lasting sense of peace.
True liberation doesn’t come from external changes but from an internal shift in how we perceive life. It is not a final destination but an ongoing practice of remembering that we are already whole. Some days will feel freer than others, and that’s okay. We continue working with these concepts, deepening our understanding over time, rather than mastering them once and for all. May you find the freedom that comes from simply being present, open, and at ease.
