The rebel is about questioning systems. But without calling for a world of chaos and anarchy. True rebellion is quite different from the image we often paint of the rebellious person. Where we see them as disengaged and aloof. Projecting nihilistic cries of meaningless on the futile pursuits of the masses.

The rebel does indeed choose to embrace the joy of being on the outside, but far from being disengaged, is fully invested in community. She seeks a better world, and lives a life of integrity between her values, words, and actions. Questioning and holding a light to the structure of systems that fail the people who are forced to subscribe to them.

She facilitates conflict, only in so much as a constant cycle of burning and renewal is necessary for any healthy society. Where the phoenix rises from the very ashes of its worn out predecessor.

Breaking the Systems of Control

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Life is Not Static
The rebel understands the fluidity of life. Standing for long periods will leave us with new norms and rituals. But when these lose their original purpose, where they used to breath life and meaning into the system, they can become stifling and cumbersome dogma. And they can begin to fail the people who are forced to adhere to these laws.

Gentle rebellion is a call to embrace great joy in life. To tread lightly, avoid the tyranny of fitting in, and look beyond labels and positions we hold in society to give us our identity. It requires us to understand what we value in the depths of our being. And to design life to reflect these things.

The next question is, how? How do we know what our values are, and what can we do if we identify certain influences in our life which are pulling us away from the stuff that really matters?

Rebellion starts with empathy and compassion. As well as the acknowledgement that all people are equal at a fundamental human level. It sees people as people, and fights for their dignity and respect.

Values, Goals, and The Systems of Your Own Life
And as with all transformation, rebellion starts within.

A great way to do this is to examine the goals we have for our lives. Do they actually represent who we are, what we want to be, and the things we want to have. Or do they align to other values?

To be rebels in the systems of our own lives, we need to grow our self-awareness through reflection on what causes this. And one of the simplest places to start is by allowing ourselves to actually acknowledge what matters to us.

In this episode we go through a simple process that I use. It will help you get clear on your own values so that you can identify the meaningful goals inside you. It’s an ideal place to start if this is something you struggle with.