Meaning: This quote is from the renowned author and philosopher Jack Kornfield. In this simple yet profound statement, Kornfield captures the essence of a common human experience – the tendency to forget our inherent freedom and agency. The quote speaks to the potential for liberation and empowerment that lies within each of us, and the realization that this freedom can be obscured by the daily routines and challenges of life.

The quote reflects a moment of awakening for the speaker, a sudden realization that they had been living as if they were not free, as if they were bound by circumstances or limitations that were not actually there. This kind of psychological shock is a powerful and transformative experience, as it can lead to a profound shift in perspective and a newfound sense of agency and possibility.

Kornfield's words also point to the idea that freedom is not just an external condition, but a state of mind. It is possible to be physically free, yet still feel trapped by fears, doubts, or limiting beliefs. Conversely, one can be in a challenging or restrictive situation and still experience a deep sense of inner freedom and empowerment. This suggests that our perception of freedom is deeply intertwined with our thoughts and attitudes, and that true freedom comes from within.

The quote also raises the question of why we forget our freedom in the first place. One possible explanation is that the demands and distractions of daily life can lead us to focus on immediate concerns and lose sight of the bigger picture. We may become preoccupied with our responsibilities, obligations, and worries, and in the process, lose touch with the awareness of our inherent freedom. In a world filled with pressures and expectations, it can be easy to overlook the fact that we always have the power to choose our thoughts, attitudes, and responses to the events in our lives.

Furthermore, the quote suggests that remembering our freedom is a crucial step in reclaiming it. This act of remembering is not just a mental exercise, but a profound shift in consciousness that can lead to a more liberated and empowered way of being. It involves recognizing the conditioning and patterns that have led us to forget our freedom, and making a conscious choice to break free from those limitations. This process of remembering and reclaiming our freedom is not a one-time event, but an ongoing practice that requires mindfulness, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge our own assumptions and beliefs.

In conclusion, Jack Kornfield's quote "One morning I woke up and was plunged into psychological shock. I had forgotten I was free." serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for inner liberation and empowerment that lies within each of us. It encourages us to question our assumptions, challenge our limitations, and reclaim the freedom that is our birthright. It is a call to awaken to the truth of our inherent freedom and to live our lives with a sense of agency, possibility, and empowerment.