The Power of Freedom—For Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

This year as we celebrate the Independence Day, for many of us, that means fireworks, family, and a little extra time to relax.

But as I reflect on Independence Day, I can’t help but think about the deeper meaning of freedom—and how it shows up in our lives, not just as Americans, but as human beings.

Your Mind and Body Are Deeply Connected

Typically my newsletters talk about physical health and ways you can help with things like knee pain, shoulder tension, or headaches.

But today, I want to take a different approach.

Because what a lot of people don’t realize is just how much your mindset and your freedom affect your physical health.

A Real-Life “Case Study” in Stress

Back in 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw something remarkable in my myopractic practice.

Clients came in with old issues—aches and pains they hadn’t felt since childhood, or problems we’d already worked through that suddenly came roaring back.

If it had been one or two clients I would have just seen that as a coincidence.

But it kept happening.

Over and over, I saw how stress and uncertainty during the pandemic were showing up in people’s bodies.

It was like a real-life case study in how powerful the mind-body connection really is.

Freedom Relieves Tension—In More Ways Than One

There is great power in freedom.

The freedoms we celebrate on Independence Day are more than just words on a page.

They shape how we live, how we move, and even how we feel physically.

When you’re free to be yourself—to do what you love, to live according to your values, to pursue what matters most—your body feels it.

You carry less tension.

You move more easily.

You breathe a little deeper.

But freedom doesn’t mean life is always easy.

We all face challenges, and sometimes the weight of responsibility can feel heavy.

But the more you stay true to yourself, the more your body benefits.

Freedom vs. Entitlement: What’s the Difference?

Here’s something I’ve learned:

Just because we have freedom, doesn’t mean we’re entitled to everything we want.

For example, I have the freedom to buy a fancy new truck.

But if I can’t afford it, that doesn’t mean I’m entitled to it.

Freedom gives us the opportunity—but it’s up to us to make the most of it.

Taking Ownership: The First Step to Real Change

If your life isn’t where you want it to be—whether it’s your job, your relationships, or your physical health—the first step is to take ownership.

Own your choices.
Own your struggles.
Own your growth.

Because if you’re the one in charge, you’re the one who can make a change.

If you’re waiting for someone else to fix things, you’ll always be stuck.

Even if that someone else does what you want, there will always be something else holding you back.

What Does This Have to Do With Wellness?

Everything.

Your thoughts and emotions have a huge impact on your physical body.

If you’re constantly stressed, anxious, or feeling stuck, your body will hold onto that tension.

But when you take ownership—when you choose to act, to serve, to love, to grow—you start to find freedom.

And your body responds.

A Few Simple Ways to Find More Freedom (and Less Tension)

Reflect on what truly matters to you.
What brings you joy? What gives your life meaning?
Make time for those things.
Take responsibility for your choices.
Even when it’s hard.
Especially when it’s hard.
Serve someone else.
Don’t wait for someone else to do a good deed.
Be the good deed that someone else is waiting for without expecting anything in return.
Stay connected to your faith, your family, and your purpose.
For me, my faith in Jesus Christ and my family are my greatest sources of freedom and fulfillment.

Final Thoughts: Freedom Is a Gift—And a Responsibility

As you celebrate this Independence Day, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on the freedoms you have.

Not just as an American, but as a person.

You have the freedom to choose.

To grow.

To serve.

To become the best version of yourself.

And when you do, your mind, your body, and your spirit will thank you.

Wishing you a joyful, meaningful, and free Independence Day.

—Jason Alston