Finding Freedom

By Sterling Hawkins, MSW, LCSW, LICSW

The subject of freedom conjures up many images. What are some of your images and thoughts on the subject of freedom? I stumbled across a book that I haven't read in over thirty years. So, I pulled it from the shelf and began to read. Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a quick read with large font. It measures 4 X 7 inches and having 147 pages; someone can easily read it in one sitting. However, I spent a week to savor its contents and contemplate how the author described freedom from a fictional narrative that ignites imagination and possibilities.

Richard Bach is an American writer who has written numerous works of fiction and some non-fiction. His genre is inspirational and semi-autobiographical. Bach is a pilot. His books are about flying in a metaphorical context. Bach's writings espouse his philosophy that our apparent physical limits and mortality are merely appearances.

The book published in 1970 sold a million copies and in 1973 was turned into a film by the same name. While I never saw the film, the book has remained a favorite of mine. I believe this story contains timeless life-lessons. Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a trilogy having only three chapters.

Chapter One:

begins with Jonathan, a seagull who aspires to be more than he is, way off and alone from the rest of the flock practicing maneuvers of flight. "We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill. We can be free. We can learn to fly!”

Self-discipline requires sacrifice and persistent practice, and passion. This discipline, dedication, and discovery first lead to doubt and depression before yielding success with joy. Self-discipline, at its worst, invokes criticism, rejection, judgment, and discouragement that produces failure.

Chapter Two:

examines the process of becoming mature and growing in excellence. "The trick was to know that his true nature lived as perfect as a number everywhere at once across space and time." The idea of quality over quantity is a concept that requires the student to learn and eventually master their craft and begin teaching others. Most limits that interfere with achieving excellence are the ones we create. Mentorship in a community of kindred souls enables us to slowly redefine those limits and learn to move beyond them.

Chapter Three:

Passion can fuel our ability to learn but is often squelched by adversity. Our mind is a powerful tool; we must use to harness our body's good to behave in ways that reflect greatness. "Break the chains of your thought, and you break the chains of your body too." Seeing with the mind's eye is essential. Loving those who hate with the hope that they can learn to love and experience greatness for themselves involves accepting the possibility of death in all its inevitable forms that deprive us of our most cherished freedoms. To be free, one first must know that they have been enslaved. Enslavement comes in many forms. A body cannot be free if the mind remains enslaved.

In summary, I like that the book combines both western and eastern philosophy, in that it examines the components of freedom but expands these components into a panoramic view. The book has a universal message that appeals to all socio-economic and cultural strata. Nowhere in this story does one detect a hierarchy based on wealth, prosperity, or ethnicity. Hierarchy, where noted, has to do with expectations in conformity that Jonathan, in his journey, proves is always helpful in becoming mature.

Perhaps the only challenge for some readers may be finding similarities to one's own life where the principles embodied in Jonathan's character can be practically applied. Therefore, one must look with intent, and when you do, you will see the image of Jonathan reflected in you.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull is a story for all people and seasons in life. It is a story of the triumph of not just one soul but many who overcame physical and psychological barriers to finding their place and calling in the world. Bach's message is simple, we can become much more than we believe if we are willing to pursue what is important to us and push past the doubt and disbelief and embrace isolation and pain as rites of passage to a better existence. And finally, belief in God or first principles serve to guide those who choose to fly in skies less traveled.