Captivity
Passion cannot be bred in captivity. The minute you try to box it up and put boundaries and limits on your passion, it begins to die.
Last week’s horrifying event at SeaWorld—in which Tilikum, a killer whale, killed a trainer—has made me think a lot lately about captivity. It was a tragic thing that happened; however, I sympathize with Tilikum and other animals that are held in captivity.
Tilikum is a physical manifestation of what is going on inside of many people. Inside of each of us is an untamed, free spirit that wants to roam and live free from restrictions. It thrives in an atmosphere conducive to growth and wildness. It craves open space and endless possibilities. It should not be caged.
Because of the way our lives have evolved, restrictions have become necessary, and we have slowly built walls around the wild passion inside us. Most people find that because of their jobs, families, and other obligations, they must first do what is required of them, and doing things that make them truly happy and free comes second. Of course there is nothing wrong with conducting yourself professionally at work, or with caring for a family. Those are good things. They can even be freeing things. But oftentimes, they just become a routine. They are a way to make it through the week. That is when the wildness inside begins to die.
Just like Tilikum, the passion locked inside you is a wild beast. It may appear tame and under control, but if it ever finds a way to break free, it will shake up your entire world. You will be amazed at its power. Once you begin to tear down the walls and let out the real you, you will thrive in a way you never knew possible. You will find strength inside of you that you didn’t know was there. And most importantly, you will find more joy and peace than you ever imagined.
