Free yourself

Let go, enter the flow state, and observe

your steps, your thoughts, where your actions are taking you.

Disregard social expectations and free yourself from a mental jail.

Find the space to think, without criticism or fear of judgement.

Be alone. Be with others. Be yourself.

Walk away, turn off your phone, seek boredom

For that is where your life begins.

Soar beyond marketers grasp and unshackle yourself from the consumeristic entrapments holding you down,

so you can be

who you wish to be.

A couple enjoying the view of the Grand Tetons during a van life trip to escape their work life. Photograph by Dalton Johnson

This poem is about utilizing escapism so one can find their true self. Overall, this poem is a creative piece that looks at and criticize the modern society we have of hustle culture and the deep wounds American society has stemming from a lack of identity. As a melting pot, we have “everything” and “accept” everything according to some. However, I do not feel this to be true. Hence the reason for escapism in our individualized society. Maybe this poem will speak to somebody and they will begin down the path of finding themselves.

What is “escapism”?

The traditional definition of escapism is a mental diversion from unpleasant or boring aspects of daily life, typically through activities involving imagination or entertainment. However, with the onslaught of the digital world, escapism is now trending towards a lifestyle that avoids the digital world or transplants you into another world (literally or philosophically).