You might remember this quote from last week:

“A person does not have to be behind bars to be a prisoner. People can be prisoners of their own concepts and ideas. They can be slaves to their own selves” – Maharaji

So how do we break out of a prison of our own making? Unfortunately there is not a simple formula. We must each do our own work and find our own way. But this is something I am familiar with. I spent years as a prisoner of my own concepts and ideas and a slave to my own self. So how did I break free?

1. First I had to realize that I was a spiritual and emotional prisoner. I also had to accept that old concepts, ideas and beliefs were no longer working for me.

2. Then I had to learn to release and let go of all that old stuff that was holding me captive.

3. Next I had to start walking forward. It wasn’t easy. Sometimes there were teeny tiny baby steps and lots of falls, but you have to start somewhere.

4. Now I keep on walking knowing there is no turning back. As tempting and inviting as that old life might sometimes seem, it is still a prison.

Don’t think from this nice little four point summary that it is easy.  It is not, but the key is in knowing that there is a way out.  You don’t have to remain a prisoner, continuing to go over and over the old stuff and afraid to move forward.  Dare to break free.