"Free will allows one to believe whatever they will choose in the face of reality."
This is so often too true for many folks. I knew someone who held onto something they believed they heard even when presented with the truth of what was actually said for many years. Now this could have just been a case of "selective hearing" or poor "communication skills", but these misunderstood words have haunted them and impacted their life's destiny. When a simple examination of facts along the way should have opened their mind to accept what they chose to believe as possibly only that, their free will to remain imprisoned.
I will not claim this one since I'm not sure who actually said it first...
"You are a spirit, You have a mind, You live in a body."
What sets us apart from all the other living things in our world is that spirit/mind relationship. I know that some people may believe their favorite pet has a spirit. On that, you'll have to take it up when your' spirit meets your' Creator, I simply don't know the truth in that regard. However, what I do know is that our minds can and do influence our spirit and that is the "free will" in action.
This is probably the best example of using your free will to influence your life's destiny and so your happiness and fulfillment. Now I am not advocating that everyone run out fall lockstep into what Mr. Hill presented. Simply consider that your free will is the key to control or unlock your mind for greater things. There are those that will say, "isn't that just some trick to manipulate life or just make yourself feel good"
Cheap parlor trick I would think not. Using your mind to balance the truths that are presented in this world with what your spirit perceives actually frees your spirit to pursue your destiny without fear.
This is not to say that you can simply "will" your way to a happy and successful life. First, you define successful not I, then go back and read (better yet follow the link) the line again. It speaks to expected failures! You present yourself with the YOUR expectations and the reality of where you exist in life, then your mind can (and will) conceive a reality for your spirit to follow. YOUR REALITY. Some of my friends lead very complex lives full of activity and rewards. These people enjoy the pursuit, not just the physical rewards of cars, houses and possessions. They seem to deal with (no thrive) on the stress that comes with that lifestyle. Others, choose to be content with a less demanding lifestyle and ties to few possessions.
Could one trade places with the other? I think NOT! You see each have made the commitment in their minds to pursue what their spirit now believes. That belief is the balance between the sacrifices they are making for the rewards they pursue. Those sacrifices are different for each, just as the rewards. The executive may not be able to conceive sleeping in the wilderness to witness nature any more than a mountain man could conceive being imprisoned in an office every day for years.
There is an interesting point here in that as your body changes and your mind gains more knowledge your spirit matures through life's success and failure. You may find yourself now using your free will to change the path you are on. If so, this is what brings freedom and happiness. OR, you may find that your path is one you choose to play it to the end bringing other fulfillment's.
Again it is that mind/spirit relationship that allows free will to even exist. Keep examining life for the truths that are conceived by your mind and confirmed by your spirit. This balance is what keeps your free will from choosing a path of destruction. Remember in all things there is evidence of truth. Those that choose to examine truth and conviction are the happiest in life.
Going back to your pet... he/she may have a spirit that may travel with your spirit, but my guess is the Creator did not make that same mind/spirit relationship in other living things. That's why we are all special and unique from the rest of creation.
