We often think of freedom of speech as the right to say whatever we want, whenever we want, wherever we want. It’s considered a cornerstone of democracy, creativity, and human connection. But when we look closer, another question arises: Are we truly free in the way we speak?
Through the lens of Logosynthesis®, the answer isn’t always so clear.
When Words Aren’t Free
Much of what we say doesn’t come from our calm, centered Essence. Instead, our words are often shaped by stress reactions in the form of:
- Painful memories that still live in our system.
- Limiting beliefs that tell us what’s right, wrong, or possible.
- Fearful fantasies of what could happen if we don’t speak out.
When we’re caught in these frozen patterns, our speech is reactive rather than free. We may raise our voice, argue passionately, or push back against opposing views. But instead of expressing true freedom, our words are anchored in distress we can’t even see.
My Personal Example
As I often write, I grew up in a Dutch-Canadian Catholic farm family and by all accounts, we managed quite well. Starting from nothing, hard work, faith, sacrifice, and family values supported us to achieve what many would call “success.”
And so it’s not a stretch to recognize that I came to believe that if others wanted to be successful, they had to do what we did. What I couldn’t recognize at the time was that my energy was stuck in these beliefs.
When I spoke to others who were struggling, I carried an intensity to convince them about what had worked for me. When others were off “enjoying life” and I was “choosing” to take on yet another volunteer school or 4-H project for our children, I noticed that the tone of my voice could be sharper or more demanding. In my rush to accomplish it all, my words carried an energy that got things done but didn’t reflect my true intention.
Nothing I was saying was technically wrong, and I was convinced I was right. But what I couldn’t see was that not only was I burning myself out — I was also failing to create what I truly wanted: a space where everyone felt energized and inspired to participate.
This is what it looks like when words aren’t free: shaped by beliefs, inherited values, and frozen energy that demands agreement instead of inviting connection.
The Trap of Debate
This same dynamic plays out in larger debates. Each side speaks from its patterns, repeating the same arguments, hoping to convince the other. But instead of opening minds, these debates tend to harden beliefs and deepen distress.
- Words trigger memories.
- Memories trigger emotions.
- Emotions fuel more words.
And so the cycle continues.
Logosynthesis® and Inner Freedom
Logosynthesis® offers a different perspective. It guides you to recognize that real freedom of speech comes naturally when you are no longer reacting to another side but speaking from a calm presence. Your words carry a quality that invites rather than triggers others. You can listen and respond rather than being stuck reacting to others. When we resolve the frozen beliefs that hijack our speech, we open space for something new.
From this calm, clear place, words arise differently:
- They connect rather than divide.
- They create understanding instead of defensiveness.
- They invite healing instead of harm.
This doesn’t mean we always agree — but it means we shift from trying to convince to a sense of connection, creating more joy and vibrancy.
A Call for New Conversations
In today’s world, we are surrounded by debate — in politics, on social media, even around the dinner table. But what if the solution isn’t louder speech, but freer speech? Not more debate about who is right or wrong but a greater understanding that we are all doing the best we can together.
Logosynthesis® offers another perspective: real freedom of speech arises when you’re no longer reacting, but speaking from calm presence. Not more debate about who’s right or wrong, but deeper understanding that we’re all doing the best we can together.