Looking at the title of my blog, I began to wonder what a free spirit is, exactly. I know the stereotype in the movies: Summer from (500) Days of Summer, or Sharon Stone’s character in The Muse, or Clementine from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I’m not really like any of those women though, so there’s got to be more to it, right? (Also, what about the free spirit men? Why can’t I think of any movies about them? Help me out in the comments, please.)
I turned to the internets to help me out. Apparently, a free spirit is someone who is not restrained, for instance by convention or obligation. Or it’s someone who has a highly individual or unique attitude, lifestyle, or imagination. Or it’s someone acting freely or even irresponsibly (I guess that’s where the practical part of my blog title comes in?) All the definitions agree on one synonym to describe a free spirit: nonconformist.
Oh, right. Thank you, dictionaries everywhere, for reminding me what I’m talking about.
Here’s my definition of what it means to be a free spirit:
- A free spirit thinks for himself, observing and collecting data in order to form his own opinions.
- A free spirit does what she thinks is right, not what everyone else tells her is right. She puts a high value on free choice.
- A free spirit cares about getting to know both himself and the world around him.
- A free spirit isn’t generally swayed by arguments of what one is “supposed” to do. She tends to avoid, ignore, or become upset by people who are judgmental or controlling.
- A free spirit has the courage to test life’s boundaries and limits, and to try things that other people think are impossible, unimportant, or impractical. (These other people are often wrong.)
- A free spirit often has her own unique vision of life and the world.
This does not mean a free spirit is a trampler, i.e. the kind of person who doesn’t care about other people’s feelings. Nor are all free spirits incapable of compromise and discussion. They aren’t inherently flighty or irresponsible or train wrecks on wheels. Free spirits can be any of these things, just like everyone else, but they don’t have to be.
I also suspect there are those to whom free spiritedness comes easy, and those for whom it’s very difficult. Or maybe there are just people like me who swing back and forth between the ease and the struggle. There are noisy free spirits and quiet free spirits, extroverts and introverts and ambiverts, free spirits who engage in risqué behavior and those who think risqué is passé and so go to the other extreme. (Ask me sometime why my ears aren’t pierced and you’ll see what I mean.) Some of us are stubborn while others are fickle, some of us are dedicated while others drift from thing to thing. We can be challenging, yes, and difficult to understand, but we love life with a passion that makes it all seem worthwhile.
Whatever our shortcomings, we make the world a more varied and interesting place. We are agents of change and opponents of inertia. As Arthur O’Shaughnessy, a 19th century British poet, said:
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.
The Practical Free Spirit 
I could not have said it better myself. * heart squish *
Thanks, Jodi!
ive been checking out english artist michael fitzgerald at saatchi online
very interesting take on the subject
I must hear the story on the lack of ear piercing! It is interesting, isn’t it, how many times those with outward symbols of nonconformity (dyed hair, tattoos, piercings) are sometimes the most conventional people of all. As for male free spirits in films, I, too, drew a blank. I think you’re onto something.
Perhaps this is the paradox of being a nonconformist: that at some point behaviors associated with it will be just like all the other nonconformists out there, and therefore not nonconformist at all.
Hmm. I have to think about that.
Male free spirits? Character-wise?
Hmm.
Jack Sparrow in the Pirates moveis.
Doctor Who
Wash on Firefly
Wolverine
Westley from Princess Bride
Hiro from Heroes (whose free spirit is crushed as the show evolves)
Guess you can tell what sort of movies/tv I enjoy. 😉
You are my hero, Eric. Thank you. I’m not sure I completely agree with all of those, but some of them are 100% dead on for me.
And you kickstarted my own brain. Here are a few I thought of:
Lloyd in Say Anything (actually I think John Cusack has played lots of free spirits over the years)
Oz on Buffy
George Faure (the love interest) in Green Card
This has also got me thinking as to whether there’s a difference between a free spirit/nonconformist and a rebel, and if so, what it is. I think there is a difference but I wonder if I’m right.
Benjamin Button?
and maybe even the tugboat captain/deep down tattoo artist friend of his (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
A rebel might be more dedicated to a specific code. Dirty Harry is a rebel, but he’s NOT a free spirit.
I suppose free spirits tend to be more positive and upbeat.
In that regard, I’ll probably have to retract my Wolverine comment. He was really on the edge for me to begin with anyway.
Loved this blog. I can most certainly relate.
Cheers!
Thanks, Casey! I’m glad you enjoyed.
Burt in Away We Go. YUP!
I came across your blog as I was trying to find the definition of Free Spirit. Your blog I believe truly captures the essence of a Free Spirit. I related well to it!
Thanks, I’m glad you liked it!
Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) from the Titanic was definetly a free spirit 🙂
Into the Wild – Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) – there you have a free spirit male character! And he was great!
He also died due to his negligence – basically he was a fool and died a fool’s death
I was told my someone that i am too much of a ”free spirit person” thought i should look it up 🙂
I was told I was a free spirit
Also been told I am an oddball, think out of the box, funny, an interesting take on life, independent, no one can get on with you,
If Jack in Titanic was a free spirit then he was worth being like
and certainly not mundane, boring and predictable
and perhaps that has inspired people
I think I may be a free spirit. Feel free to drop me an email if you’re wondering what/how a free spirited man thinks. I could never put it into a paragraph but there are pros and cons: you’re free yet lost. I seek being lost because I know that it’s there where I’ll know that I can have/share an opinion and know what I can always fall back on. How can the thought of falling back on the knowlege of being lost give me peace? Because one can take pride in knowing they’re lost. Like the saying goes, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” Socrates
Thanks for posting this positive and informative article about free spirits. Surprisingly there’s a lot of negativity about people like myself and at time it made me feel ashamed despite it being something I should truly embrace and celebrate. Thank you!
I’m very much of a free spirit, i’ve been told this and many of my friends dont understand exactly what a free spirit is, i’m totally sending this to them.
Being a free spirit defines me. Any other label doesn’t do me justice. In fact, I hate labels. I love the act of embrace (in self and in life), I love the act of caution, I love the act of throwing caution to the wind, I love loving, I love adventure, I love boredom, I love the people in my life, I love my cat Willow, I love ideas, I love myself, I love the unknown, I love my tears, I love my happiness, I love my trepidations, I love overcoming, I love being free, I love vibrancy…but most of all, I love other free spirits and showing others how to be one.
I love that one !!
[…] highest traffic month in the blog’s life was April 2012. The most popular post is What is a Free Spirit?, which is apparently more of a pressing question than I would think. (Thank you, Google Search.) […]
A very accurate description, very nicely put. I hadn’t exclaimed I was a free spirit but after being called one, I looked it up.
Sure enough I embody all the qualities you have described.
may I add the negativity towards a free spirit that one person mentioned and had witnessed is due to it not being bad in itself but that free spirits infuriate controlling people. Like you mentioned a free spirit dislikes being controlled so they pose a problem to a controlling person and can evoke jelousy. I say this from experience,
Interesting point of view. I’m inclined to agree with almost all the views presented.
I consider myself a free-spirit. The basis of the person I am is one is always free and has a choice to be who they are without fear of anything. There are many social rules we have to abide by however a free spirit acknowledges them but still choose to interpret them so that they don’t constrain them.
I have been intrigued even by my mortal self. I’m stylish but I choose not to be a prisoner of fashion for me it is the best way to express my persona and personality. I’m spiritual however I find the group therapy of church constraining as people interpret the bible readings to fit personal agendas that sometimes feels judgemental to make others feel guilty about their individualism. Imagine a world where a temple of God was in our hearts.
I can go on and on, about a free spirit. In a nutshell free spiritness is a choice premised on one’s ability to detach from outcomes and to live life without fear. This is done with compassion, understanding and love for fellow man.
Hi Rocks
I most enjoyed your sland on what you consider a free spirit to be.
My intrigue led me to this site.
I needed to know what defined a free spirit, and I am delighted that I have had the chance to read your writings.
I could write volumes with regards to how mixed up and how misunderstood I have felt all my life because of being a free spirit.
I have constantly had to do battle with feelings of constraint within a relationship, especially when I had 2 children to consider. At times the feeling of being, like a bird in a cage would became very overwhelming.
I have had 2 relationships that both lasted twelve and a half years.
I have now been single for 14 years
I would love to be in a loving relationship.
Maybe someone could give me thoughts on how other free spirits handle the relationship aspect.
I will add to my ramblings in my personal diary and not bore others with my revelations.
Cheers Megz.
Ha…your story resembles mine [in principle] Gail. Yep, gone through 2 relationship in 2 decades plus with one kid. Worked in many types of businesses but never made a career of it. Travels the world quite a bit but not yet wonderlust. Loves vernacularity dislike modernity if it’s done in a bad taste [ie. in ‘squares’ n inbox where it should be nonsquare n unboxed], homogeneity instead of diversity. I love what people describe here about the ‘free-spirited’ person seemed to be very me 🙂 JackSparrow is definitely free-spirited. Thanks Amy for writing up this topic.
ivan
http://www.tanikota.blogspot.com
PS: I googled ‘free-spirited’ person cause a friend told me I am one and arrived at your blog.
My two cents on having a romantic relationship as a free spirit: Figure out how you want to live and what you want from a relationship. Then communicate this from the start of a relationship (and set firm boundaries around it). Meet a lot of people until you find one who is happy having a similar kind of relationship to the one you want and accepts you for who you are.
Easier said than done, though! 🙂
Thanks Amy
First of all thank you for opening this site and bringing your thoughts to the fore.
With your help and my acceptance of who I am I have been able to formulate the plan for my life.
Should Lady Densiny place Mr Right in my path I will reconise him from my learnings,
I know what I want and what I need for me
I have waited 58 years and now that I know I am a free spirit I am sure he will be mature enough to undesrtand that we are all wired differently.
I so want to love and be loved.
Thanks
Wow! Someone that feels the same as I do about church…made me feel really good about myself reading that.
commenting a bit late but whatever…
i agree with
Jack Sparrow
Doctor Who
Westley from Princess Bride
being free spirited males and i also think that jack in titanic and rose for that matter are free spirited and the character will in the movie ‘waiting for forever’
dana, pushy and majority of the other characters in blue crush 2.
and maybe not a character but from what i know, marilyn monroe seems like a free spirit
Bingo! This is exactly how I would describe myself. Not one detail is wrong. Beautiful piece, free spirited people are just the sort of person who chose not to follow the “rat race” I suppose. I see life as short and a chance to create something, not work for something already created. I cop the negative souls out there who love to tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about, and that I need to do this that and the other or I won’t succeed. They only think this because to them they only have one formula for life which would suck the life and soul out me. I never liked maths lol so I won’t be following any formula in my life. Being a free spirit is crazy to them because they are just terrified of being unique and the subject of criticism. I couldn’t care less what the haters think, Coco Chanel once said “success is often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable” which is so true. To the dreamers of dreams out there failure isn’t in our vocab its merely a change of direction.
Im glad to see a page full of people who are similar to me, you feel like a odd ball when mostly everyone else “think” the same……like stereotypes.
thanx… though it is still very hard for me to be totally free… for some or other reason im overlly concerned with public opinion about me… i sometimes feel that public opinion is dictating my life for me… however i am making small stridres daily in expressing my individuality… even if its just wearing my own taste of clothing… being male i often find that people are much more judgmental tomards me with regards to my apearance and way of thinking…
I’m a free spirit..in fact, I was looking for a free spirit group where I could hang around and spout off the wall things. Trait of being a free spirit in my humble opinion. My guess a free spirit is a person accepting of all cultures,races, situation’s and is able to freely/carelessly laugh at any mishaps one might encounter in life..My favorite saying is “If you feel embarrassed, you haven’t lived long enough yet”.
Free spirits make the best out of any situation or see the best *grin* but I’m really interested if most “free spirited people” are single. its all about having a healthy attitude to all and yourself.
I am also a free-spirit. Alot of the women at work thin it is a terrible thing! I am a young adventurous 53 year old woman. 3 women at work are constantly driving passed my home checking up on me-to be nosey because I leave out tmi-at work and keep to myself. I hate this;I hate being restrained,or told what I should think or beleive. For this reason I choose not to associate with these 3 individuals. I think people should leave us alone and let us live. I would also like to join some free-spirit group for support or/just to hang out with people who are the same as me and non-controlling or/non judgmental. -Nancy
ha ha! Although I like that idea, can you imagine a bunch of free spirits together? I find that I do best left to flit on my own and have one grounded person around of my choosing to keep me grounded! That would be ideal! I am use to people thinking I am a little different. Some accept it and some don’t. I just either tone it down or don’t associate with these people if I can help it!
Holly Go….Um Yeah….Some people get ridiculous and HOSTILE if you don’t associate wih them. I know what you mean but I still avoid pushy,and overbearing people and don’t associate with them!!!!!….I just like the idea of a free-spirit group for mediation,or maybe a coffee house wih a nosalgic-theme for free-spirits.
[…] these other labels, is that there isn’t one way to do it. We talked a couple of years ago about Hollywood’s depictions of free spirits as spacy, often irresponsible, Bohemian, manic pixie dream girls. But allowing ourselves to fit […]
I just started a relationship with a man who is getting in touch with himself. He used to be a banker and now is a teacher of children with special needs (if that tells you anything). He also is a painter and dabbles in music. He was bound by the limitations of his culture and traditions. He is currently in a marriage, with a very traditional wife and is realizing he is outgrowing her. We work together and he fell in love with my “free spiritness”. It was probably something that he yearned, but felt it was out of reach or for “other people”. Now after being with me, he is seeing possibilities. He has never strayed from his marriage of 19 years, but is entranced with me apparently. In the beginning I tried to do things that pleased him (I think being in love or caring so much, will make you do things out of character), but he constantly tells me to be myself, that is what he loves and so does everyone else. I guess that is why I am so crazy about him. He is a man that has very strict boundaries, very confident and so clear of what his mission is in his life, that my free spiritness is just to be appreciated and enjoyed and not an issue at all. He is a man that is very secure with himself and he knows that allowing to be me, is what keeps me by his side. I disagree that Free Spirits are looking for ‘door mats’. In fact it takes a VERY secure person to be with a Free Spirit. Some imply that Free Spirits just run off and do whatever they want. I say, I try to be true to my own heart, which includes taking care of people around me, looking for the positive in all things and being at peace with who I am.
janet, Very nicely written. Several years ago, I knew I felt different than the average person, but did’nt know what it was called…
If this were in person i would take you by the hand and thank you. Possibly since many of the descriptions above fit my personality, it is nice to know others exist out there like myself. : )
Hello, I like the way that Amy Sunberg defined and explained the phrase “free spirited”…..I believe its about personality traits, and has nothing to do with being a slot, in these modern days…
I’M A FREE SPIRIT….NO WAIT, IM JUST F***IN CRAZY!
Wonderful!!!
—–from one ‘free spirit’ to another. 🙂
Hi. I was curious about your direction to ask why your ears are not pierced.
I’m 37 and have also no piercing a or any kind of tattoo or body markings.
Was just curious since u mentioned
Ben
Male free spirits:
– Kramer from Seinfeld
– Noah from The Notebook, maybe?
– Aron Ralston (real person)
– James Franco (real person)
I LOVE IT! this is so me! 🙂
If something a free spirited person likes suddenly becomes so popular, he has a tendency to get turned-off with that thing… they hate ‘labels’
Male free spirits
– the guy from Before Sunset
– Mike Gambril of Love Affair
– the guy from Serendipity
Female free spirits
– the girl from Before Sunset
– Terry McKay of Love Affair
– the girl from Serendipity
– Elizabeth Bennett of Pride & Prejudice
Free spritited men movies:
Jeff Who Lives at Home
Ted- from How I met your Mother
Well said! 🙂
I’ve been wondering for years what free spirit means people call it me all the time. I asked a friend when I was in early twenties why people were so nasty to me because often people were and are still, she said they want to take something from you, they think by making you unhappy they will take it from you but they don’t understand what it is you have. I asked her what it was she thought I had but she couldn’t put her finger on it. I think this might be it. I think its very powerful when its genuine and people are scared of it. When you’re truly free spirited I think its hard for people to knock you down – and lots of people want to do that. Sad. I am extraordinarily happy being who I am. Amy I think your blog is excellent – one of the best things I have ever read – life changing. Thanks xxx
You have hit a big nail on the head here… It’s happened all of my life and iv never understood it.but as I get older it’s really obvious that is what challenges people…. They are scared of it.
I, too, after being called a ‘free spirit’ through out my life by strangers and acquaintances finally googled the definition and was led here, at the age of 35. What a great site and how weird it is to know that the word embodies me to a T–however I wanted to add my two cents. Thank you, Amy, for putting this site up.
Like someone mentioned above, I also used to associate “free spirit” negatively– as someone who was a wandering vagabond with the following characteristics: lazy, unable to hold a job, low mental horsepower/focus, problems with boundaries and authority, zero ethos.
I understand the definition is pretty loose.
However, for me, I want to STRESS that being a free spirit also means I do NOT HURT OTHER PEOPLE. Thank you again for addressing this.
True Free Spirits do not trample other people in our pursuit of our own happiness. True free spirits are not reckless with other’s hearts; It’s not all about spontaneity and rebelliousness with no concern for consequences.
Free spirits are not selfish,cold or cruel. WE are more enlightened, more zen.
As a free spirit, not only do we bring warmth and light to others, we are also keenly aware of our ownership of our words and actions. We are conscientious and considerate of how our actions may affect others. Free spirits respect the individual. Our pursuit of happiness ends when it infringes upon someone else’s happiness. It’s very simple.
Perhaps it is a maturity issue, but I find it a sad excuse when a so-called ‘free spirit’ toys with and leads on another individual knowing they will disappear or cheat on them later on, casually tossing in the excuse that they are a free-spirit; A mind-f* for victims where only the selfish and cruel “free spirited”- poser walks away smiling.
Yes, a free spirit dislikes to be controlled or caged but getting into a relationship without full disclosure or not meaning what we say is low-brow and bad karma. These so-called free spirits expect others to just deal with the wreckage they leave in their wake due to their spontaneous, and “uncontrollable” proclivities.
To me, a true free spirit would have done enough “walk-abouts” and journeys through life alone to have given him plenty of time to reflect upon his place in the world and how his actions affect those around him.
All I know is I have always pursued things which make me happy. Life is an adventure, it is like formulating your own ‘perfect’ soup–adding only the things which taste good to you. I love to surround myself with beauty and happiness. There is no denying my love of the sun and the sky, the marvels of other living creatures and the simple pleasures in life. There is beauty to everything and the key is to see the silver-lining and make the best lemonade possible when all you have are lemons. But the other key is to respect all living things.
Thank you. Finally a piece of whats in our mind.
Hmm.. I just stumbled upon this — kind of floored that people are still writing, honestly.. but I had this conversation with a friend just yesterday. Recently, I had a ‘free spirit’, or so it is said, venture into life and create an explosion of light and warmth into my own world, as well as hers, yet only to fear herself into the idea of light shining as being too constraining and decided to proclaim free spiritedness and not make plans (due to this same proclamation), not live in the idea of the present warmth that is provided – only pointing onward wandering and wondering what else may be found in the wake of tomorrow… And, in essence, this claim of free spiritedness really only abided by the thought process in relationship situations, or in friendships, because, in my opinion, free spirited individuals are true to this feeling of ‘freedom’ on all levels – not only on the ones they decide are correct for them.. This may mean breaking free from the trust fund that lay beneath their feet, or the materialistic, monetary items that are so committed to appearing like a star on Rodeo Drive, or even taking the plunge into the world that lay beyond the whole worldly idea that you go to school, you get a job, you make a lot of money, and THEN, and only then, can you REALLY be free. In essence, the free spirits that I see these days, whether being called this by themselves, or by others, are really just irresponsible and scared individuals, unwilling to attach to anything real. They speak of their lack of ability to be brave, their lack of will to commit, their lack ability to break the chains that burden them the most — quite often being the ones that are only bound by their minds — and they do it while screaming free spiritedness.
Sasha, you provided me a breath of fresh mountain air into my lungs and brainwave, as these thoughts are exactly what I had tangled with in my own situation.
See — I’ve always been noted as a free spirit, a wanderer of sorts, one willing to seek out happiness in the far away distances and willing to leave the nest from a very early age. I suppose, all in all, my mind was always caught in the journey and the adventure of life and the world that lay beneath my feet – but, in all honesty, I was always captivated by the sheer beauty of the moment present and found no problem with this premise breaking down my free spirit and will for adventure. In my opinion, I have never found free spirited behavior to be compromising of responsibility — or of taking note of others feelings and emotions — it’s simply the will for adventure.. the will for the ‘onward and upward’ mentality, the will to create your own dreams that you only see when you open your eyes, not when you close them.. Maybe I’ve got it all wrong, but I’ve heard the self proclamation of ‘free spirit’ time and time again, and in truth, all I see is fear in the eyes of those who preach it. Afraid to break down and open up, rattled by the idea of actually connecting to something because it may ACTUALLY find me out. I’ve ventured — I went to school, I had a job offer in my hometown and instead of taking it, I decided my soul was taking me elsewhere and speaking to me and took the plunge into the great unknown to make way to the Rocky Mountains, instead, where the natural surroundings sparked my curiosity and eyes wide open behaviors of childhood and ‘pinch me to see if I’m dreaming’ thoughts crossed my path on a daily basis. Was it ‘responsible’? Not in the sense of monetary comfort in the world we live in, but was it courageous, bold, and brave? Surely.. But – really, in all, it was simply listening to my inner consciousness and not being scared away by my mind. It was a higher form of spiritual connection, really. One that allowed the great journey to go beyond the grasps of humanity and the ‘easy way out’. Bravery, in my opinion, is the TRUEST way to see whether or not free spirited behaviors are real. This means to attain the bravery to fall in love, to step alone, to go into the world that’s the great unknown and see only a blank canvas that you want to trudge around until you paint your masterpiece.. But — this doesn’t mean to never finding moments and loving them for what they are, all the while looking SO far ahead that you can’t even embrace the idea of crazy connections that you may have with an individual or a thing.. Does this really ‘bind’ you? Does this really hold you down? Or — does it open up a gate of opportunity to be a free spirit with a hand to hold while you venture onward, ready and willing to take on the world together?
I suppose, all in all, the conversation I had with a friend took forth the notion that free spirits, in my opinion, in their truest forms are the ones who lie within the ideas of the crazy and instead of think they’re insane – they embrace the beauty of them. They embrace the moments that they are within right then.. They embrace the ‘feel good’ things in one’s life, and don’t see it as constraining, but rather constructive — just because you’re a free spirit doesn’t mean you have to be alone… and it doesn’t mean you have to always trample others on your way… Desolation is a lonely road, and the world that we all travel in and the roads that we travel on are paved with potholes, missteps, and mistakes — but free spirits in my mind are the ones that truly find the beauty in the embrace, beauty in the crazy, and are the creators of their dreams in every which way. They don’t simply ignore any light due to the fear of connection or the fear that the light may one day fizzle out — they embrace it, they get caught in the moments, and truly live within them, so that they can carry this growth, on a personal level or life level, with them towards the next step — and if that next step happens to have a hand to hold, or another free spirit at your side, so be it..
Be captivated by the beauty of your own life, by the moments that pass, and the chances that you took… Be courageous, be bold, be eternally true to your spirit and your song that lies within your soul… To me, THAT, is what free spirits really contain — It doesn’t mean irresponsible, malicious, or willing to break down others.. It means to inspire, create, and lift others up..
That was very beautiful, but it is still just one person’s opinion…such as one self proclaimed ‘free spirit’ would probably say. To define a Free Spirit in so much detail, would even in fact take away the essence of free spirited-ness. I only have this to say…it takes a special person to be with a free spirit and I think free spirits can have very meaningful relationships…Even a free spirit has to touch the ground once in a while… 🙂
I drop a comment whenever I like a article on a website or I
have something to valuable to contribute to the conversation.
It is triggered by the passion displayed in the article I read.
And on this article What is a Free Spirit? | The Practical Free Spirit.
I was excited enough to drop a thought 😛 I do have a couple of questions for
you if you don’t mind. Is it only me or does it appear like a few of these remarks look as if they are coming from brain dead visitors? 😛 And, if you are writing on additional online sites, I’d like to
keep up with anything fresh you have to post. Could you make a list every one of all
your social pages like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?
To case interview prep: Wow…hostile.
There are stereotypes, unfortunately, involved with what free spirit is(at least in my mind). Usually when I think of someone who is what most people would term a free spirit I think of someone who is a bit on the hippyish side, maybe drives an electric car, listens to jam bands and is a vegan and quite possibly partakes in a certain substance. I know that’s a stereotype but many so called “free spirits” seem to have those interests imo(not all of course but that seems to be the inclination for many of them for whatever reason).
That is certainly one profile of a free spirit. It makes me laugh though because I don’t really fall into any of those categories. Just goes to show there’s a lot of different ways of being a free spirit under the sun. 🙂
For another example of a female free spirit I would definitely say Phoebe(Lisa Kudrow’s character) from the tv show “friends.” I think she epitomizes the whole idea of a free spirit(even taking the idea to extremes even though of course she is a fictional character. I have known girls(well one comes to mind in particular)from college and she was a bit similar to Phoebe. Many of them are eccentric but not all.
I am so completely happy I found this post today.
I am a 47 year old female, and tears are streaming down my face as I read the comments on this site. I finally know who I am.
I’m so glad this post spoke to you, Catherine. 🙂
Eureka! Thanks to all you Free Spirits that make me feel that I am alright the way I am, that I do not need to think in the box!!!How refreshing to read you! You know Catherine, tears are also filling my eyes as I now am certain that I have not been on the wrong path since my childhood. I am on a different path & will continue my journey as the person I was meant to be. Amy, kudos for having enlightened so many by starting this blog! All the best, always!
In the movie Bongwater, Luke Wilson’s character is free-spirited. He fits your description of a free-spirited person. In the movie you see he has lots of Zen, respects creatures, he’s not particularly attached by anything, a free-thinker, and by the end of the movie, he shows he has the courage to follow his dream.
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Wow….what are you trying to say….could u be more I direct?
I like what you had to say about “Free Spirits”, especially the statement “we love life with a passion” (ABSOLUTELY TRUE). Your site was the first one I encountered that was “non-commercial” (personal), so I read what you had to say, and decided to let you know that there are many other free spirits, although our definitions may vary – that is part of being a free spirit. Personally, I became a free spirit by living a life without FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real). This is usually spread through religious and political ideologies, and by those who finance them. I watched Zeitgeist (part one – beware of the followups), and it confirmed much of what I suspected. We are conditioned from a young age (i.e. Santa Claus) to accept lies and deception, and to live with fear of something. When we live in fear we give up freedom, and allow ourselves to be controlled by others, rather than making our own rational decisions. I have found that this FEAR hinders ones ability to live by the “Golden Rule”, and henceforth, our spirit is not free.
Some “Free Spirit” friends and I have been considering creating a website (or something similar) in the hope of releasing humankind from the addiction to POWER ONTO ONESELF by the use of fear, for by studying history, this addiction only takes us on a path where we do a disservice to all (including ourselves).
May your life be filled with all the wonders of being a free spirit. I am 58 years old and my journey as a free spirit (living by the “Golden Rule” without fear) is the greatest reward I have found in life.
You do not have to reply, but if you are interested in more dialogue, please contact me through email (I am not yet up to speed with all these new ways of communication).
WE ARE ALL BORN A FREE SPIRIT
Love this. I have always been called different, random, out of ordinary, strange, weird, and awesome person. I’ve always wondered why God has made me this way. I am a strong Christian and I enjoy the Bible verse “Don’t worry about tomorrow, past, or the future but take each day at a time.” I love how God is so creative and understanding of people like me that don’t conform to what the norm is but are always filled with wonder at the next event. In good time God lets all spirits sour into the here and in eternity. He knows his right brained people and He himself must have been an unrestrained spirit to create a world and its people. Even eve and adam were free spirits in the Lord keeping watch over His nature, animals, and water. Now Christians goals are to fight spiritual sides, win souls, and be a light to the world. I think that’s cool enough. =)
I just stumbled across this blog post, almost 3 years after it’s posting.
This is awesome.
To answer your question, what about male free spirits?
We are looked upon as unstable POSs.
The norm is still that a man is supposed to be the 1930’s head of household, provider, the rock, the tough guy, unflappable.
We go through life largely un-trusted and eyed with suspicion.
Our wives love us though.
I have found that those who have been raised in the most structured of social traditions are those who have the hardest time understanding those people that think differently than them. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to say I/we am/are always the right ones. I just think that it may take a bit more time to understand where we are coming from, right or wrong.
I am a free spirit. I hate negativiy,uniminginative,pulling people down-people!!!. Wihout your freedom…i stifles your creativiy. Laughter,Posiivity,imaginaion,and affection. Your life is your message to the world….make i a posiive message!!!………..
Right on, well said. You are a “Kindred Spirit” When we live in FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real) we give up our FREEDOM. FEAR is my only enemy now, not people. Now I experience a World of Wonders, and a world full of people with wonders within. Isn’t it wonderful to be “A Free Spirit”?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE – NONE OF US ARE – ITS ONLY AN ILLUSION!
I’ve just read this blog and can relate to SO much what was said: the hard-won laughter in our lives in the face of adversity, whether a guy with a mid-level management role without having any people-skills, or the person with the name-badge AND a designated rank, as if it holds real power (i.e authority acquired without respect, just a ‘promotion’ and some paperwork.) Yes, I can relate to a lot here, and as a very artistic, creative-minded guy, I reckon Heath Ledger’s Joker in the Dark Knight movie could pass for a free-spirit. His philosophising is as sharp as some of the dialogue in the David Fincher film, Fight Club from 1999. And speaking of which, Liam Neeson’s jedi character in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Kevin Spacey in American Beauty, and Keanu Reeves’ in the Matrix (all 1999 movies?!) well, I’d say they’re some of the most important and profound male free spirit characters I can think of.
Inspiring stuff folks. Viva Free spirits! 🙂
Does anyone know of a meditation group or place to veg-out where only “Free-Spirits” are allowed?????……………………………..(in Albany, New York) Nancy r
[…] Check out the rest of her definition here. […]
Thanks for this. It’s made me feel a little better about myself. I broke up with my boyfriend of 4 years yesterday because we have been consistently and even more fervently disagreeing on the idea of marriage. It was difficult trying to convey how much I do love him despite not wanting to get married. He just didn’t get it. When discussing our problem with some friends, free spirit was the phrase that they used to describe me. So I googled and got here. I’m really struggling to embrace who I am during this painful time, but this has definitely helped.
It’s when I can’t seem to identify myself with the stereotypes of society that I found this blog and was able to see why. I couldn’t have said it any better. Love this blog! Totally agree! Loud and proud. We are all free spirits by origins. Only few are able to live it out their lifetime. The earth, after all, was created to be explored and adored, and people made to befriend.. 🙂 My personal belief is that it’s the only way to live life to the fullest.. 🙂
You said it well.. I agree
Kindred spirits? Possibly. I like your way of thinking. It’s hard to conform sometimes, but we must play our part in society as well 🙂
Thanks for the blog. I can most certainly relate to
I was told by a physic that i was a free spirit but i finally looked into it and everything you’ve explained is me?
This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Best wishes!
Where are your contact details though?
Thank you for this post. When the student is ready, the teacher will come in the form of a blog. I think you have given words to many of my feelings (and I have no pierced ears) -Joan W
my conventional blog: shortinthecord.blogspot.com
my unconventional blog: http://trilliansolidad.blogspot.com/
I appreciated your blog. Thank you.
My comments are relative to myself. Other readers might negate them or confirm them as being valid for themselves.
I love being a free spirit but there is a cost.
I find it takes me probably 10x longer to do something (than a person who accepts current ways of doing or thinking) as I tend to desire to develop a framework around whatever I am thinking. Its multifacted aspects then need to be integrated into the rest of my thinking. That all takes time.
Once I have developed a way of thinking I expect others to have done the same
deep thinking….and so when i broach a subject and they respond with a seemingly superficial response that suggested they did not do much thinking, i tend to stop interacting. My Experience reveals it takes a long long time to get others to see something in depth. it does not have to agree with mine. In fact, I Prefer they come up with something different so i can see another point of view. But those who seemingly come up with a superficial response rarely have a response that is multidimensional and are usually not interested in exploring with such width
To execute something becomes difficult for me. Since I see not just shades of gray but an incredible range of “value” and “chroma” for every hue (Munsell color language for metaphor) i stop and start to make adjustments. in doing in the real world this becomes very expensive not only due to dollars but time and effort. I am learning I have to let go of myself as a free spirit when i execute. I have to become a “leader” or “task” guy (people map system verbiage)
to being a free spirit. To survive in this real world, I have gravitated to positions that are on the fringe where there is not thought or tradition. I have spent my entire life in R&D and in non-professional contributions, I look at endeavors that currently have no solutions. I thus depend on others with skills (interpret as known and accepted processes to do) to do the actual work. Now that I am retired, I am learning to adopt other ways of being (than free spirit) in order to accomplish.
Perhaps NLP (neuro linguistic programming) offers me the most solace when i, in the role of free spirit, create frustrating moments for myself and others. NLP has many principles worth looking at but the one that comes to mind now is the notion that we are not a single entity but many. we are not just free spirits, being a free spirit is a preference. we also can be a leader, task person, people person
and it seems to behoove us to honor and acknowledge those parts of us as well.
Thank you, once again, Amy, for allowing all of us readers and comment makers to have a single place to converge in investigating this topic. Your introduction was superb. thoughtful. practical. heartfelt. wow. Amy Sundberg, you have certainly touched many people….You have certainly touched me.
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LOVE IT. 100%. You should be a motivational speaker. Seriously. I’m middle age and discovered this to be true in my experience with my own life.
Free spirit is not a noncomformist. It’s improving the world around you after you’ve (anthropologically) evaluated it and learn your place.
PERFECTION!
Clarity to perfection!
I will always have my FREE-SPIRIT,and nobody can change that!…..I don’t mix well with controlling people and keep a noticeable distance from anyone like that!….I beleive in “Free-Choices”!!!!!…….If somebody cares about you or is really your friend…they won’t try to change you. We should all be comfortable with who we really are. True freedom is YOU being okay with YOU! -Be gentle with yourself.-think less,….live more!……..We should’nt have to conform to a regular pattern of this world!It’s okay to be different and not follow societys standards. Be yourself and the RIGHT people-will love the REAL YOU!!!….Free-Fall is the only place the human spirit can live. Realize there are no rules to life. -Nancy C. Schwebler
Reblogged this on A Free Spirited Woman.
Thank you for sharing this…I’m a free spirit . I live in my car by choice, and am a non-conformist, it isn’t always easy, but some of the best things in life don’t come easily… Here is my blog: https://afreespiritedwoman.wordpress.com/ – I’ve signed up for yours and look forward to reading your posts.
Greetings!
I just came across this blog while doing a general search on free spirits, a topic I often like to inquire about being as I am one myself. I just like to read other people’s descriptions and personal stories from free spirits themselves. I find the information the author presented here to be very accurate in summing up the essence of free spirits. I am suprised to find that, by all the comments, many people have been looking for a label to describe their nature and habits, only to come to the revelation that they are free spirits!
I know that the author’s blog post dates back to 2010 and I feel awkward making a comment that is 5 years late; however, I would like to invite you all to visit my new blog site and read my entry, “The Life of a Free Spirit” via the link, http://derrickfarrier.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-life-of-free-spirit_28.html. I think that many of you here will find this entry to be a voice that speaks to you!
P.S. – To the author, I would like to follow your blog but can’t because I use Blogger, not WordPress.
Free-spirit is a rare case.
Everyone is claiming above that they are free-spirit.
Free-spirit is creative one like filmmaker or artist like that.
http://mp3mp6.com/numerology/october-8-birthday-horoscope-personality-free-spirit/
Absolutely right. To me, Free spirit is the one who discovers himself/herself without creating any preconceived notion about living. He/she lives in the moment to experience the pleasure of totality and swims in an eternal river from where that person sips the essence of life in a magical manner.
Lovely post
loved what you had to say would love to chat.
I’m still looking for a meditation group in Albany NY for “FREE-SPIRITS”-ONLY!!!!!…..NO CONTROLLING SPIRITS ALLOWED! I saw something a few years ago but;sadly never saw it advertised again! There should be a coffee-house-for free-spirits or something in Albany, NY If you see the festivals for “Rainbow-Spirits”-it kind of reminds me of that(sort of.) -Nancy C. Schwebler
[…] have a look at this Amy’s blog post, where she has explained the meaning of free spirit in a lovely […]
I think its cool,, your opinion.I have been called a free spirit a few times unaware of what they meant.However I really am a free spirit.All of those things you posted is me.I homeschool because I dont want to be pinned down by the state,I run my own show as much as I can,I wont work rite now because I have to complete a personal promise for someone,I am not owned by anyone except for my kid,I believe in people being free from being owned by unnecessary binded things.I am a nonconformist .and let alone my natal chart says it and again it said in monthly aspects.I was born one and to this day I still am..Thanku for your blog.
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[…] enjoyment and pleasure and does not feel limited by the usual rules of social behavior. -Webster https://practicalfreespirit.com/2010/10/14/what-is-a-free-spirit/ <- Also a good description http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=free+spirit Last but […]
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I couldn’t agree more about them not caring about others feeling. I want to add totally inconsiderate with a ignorant Stace on thing , , , and an unwillingness to even attempt to see things from the other person’s eyes. All in all terrible girlfriends.
Why do I get the impression that free spirit all too often = liberal, tree hugging, animal loving, outdoorsy, marijuana loving, party animal, feminist, Hollywood loving, trendy TV loving, tattoo loving, piercing loving, gay marriage loving, Buddhist or any non Christian religion loving, Democrat, individuals? I am a free spirit and I am none of those. I am a straight, white, never married, middle aged, Christian, Republican male. Very much my own person. Very much a free thinker. Gay marriage? Hell, I’m not sure I even believe in straight marriage. It’s too biased against men for one thing. For instance, when was the last time a man ever received an engagement ring from a woman, without her expecting one in return? Talk about one sided!
This free thinker also rejects materialism, fashion, jewelry, greed, and sexism (which is clearly mostly against men – i.e. male only military draft registration; harsher criminal sentences for men than for women committing the same crimes; obsession over women’s health such as pink ribbon mania for breast cancer, and go red for women’s heart health, even though women still outlive men by 5 years, etc.).
As far as having a social group for free thinkers, it’s absurd to think that they would necessarily get along with, relate to, or even like each other, any more than any random grouping of people. They would be no more likely to feel a kinship with each other, than any other set of people who happen to belong to a certain political party, religion, etc.
One last point here, is that there seems to be a subtle, undercurrent of determining, who is a true free spirit and who isn’t. A kind of pride and arrogance about one’s own free spiritedness. A silly sense of competition, as if to say, I’m more free spirited than you. How childish! Must everything be a competition? For, true free spiritedness should never devolve into ego gratification, but rather, evolve, into a firm adherence to one’s truth, backed up by consistent logic, fair mindedness, and intuition.
Here’s my list of male characters from movies who I think are free spirits:
Jeff Spicoli – Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Peter Fonda / Dennis Hopper – Easy Rider
Jason Momoa – Road to Paloma
…Peter Pan (of course)
My ultimate free spirited woman from the movies is:
Ms. Penny Lane – Almost Famous
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Right on the spot! It was like you were describing me. Stop to dance in the rain, sing like no one is listening and never stop dreaming. ✌🏼️👍🏼❤️
I am an old person who has just discovered she is a free spirit and I love it. Understanding myself just a little better has given me a sense of calm. It is wonderful to understand why you do the things you do but oh the joy to look back and understand why you did them is wonderful too. Wonderful blog and I very much enjoyed reading many of the comments. Thank you, it’s nice to know I am not alone.
Movie – INTO THE WILD
Wow!!! Just read your blog. It’s mind blowing. Finally have a description of my being and thrilled to know I’m not alone. Always thought I was a little”out there”! I wasn’t unhappy with the way I conducted my life. But always felt the undercurrent of other’s silent judgement.
Totally know what you mean! Peeps say they never know what’s going to come out of my mouth. I’ve sometimes been rejected bc “normal” people don’t get me. But I’ve lived to an age that I’m usually pretty ok with that.
Reblogged this on Slim's Blog and commented:
I need a free spirit. You need a free spirit to attract the Spirit of God because the Spirit of God wants to connect Himself to your spirit.
Hold on hold on, basically you just said everybody gets to be a free spirit…
In his or her own way??? Lol oh boy…
Loved this…Exactly what I wanted to say.
I certainly don’t follow the stereotype of free spirit. At least not how we’re portrayed in hollywood.
I operate within the boundaries of the Christian faith bc God gives me the freedom to be the best, free-est me possible.
The biggest challenge for a struggling free spirit is that sometimes we are forced to conform to external surroundings in order to gain a desired privilege. If you don’t have the responsibility to earn money to take care of others around you, you can be as free-spirited as you want.
The world understands boundaries, limitations and restrictions.
A successful free spirit prevails despite challenges and desire throttling.
Hi. Thank you soooo much for your interpretation
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Have searched every dictionary..🙈 I am wild as
A horse and hungry as a wolf!! And then, just silence..
I’ve been struggling to find out, who I am. And with
All my information, I can breath again. I do not have
To feel quilty about anything… Its just ME!! Couldn’t
Understand, people always tells me, Janine’kie,
Stay as you are, you’re one of a kind!!! I understand now. Thank you so much
Free-spirited man: Einstein, Tesla, Van Gogh… to name a very popular few.
In order to dare rage into the darkness of the creative mind and present it to the masses as standard (because it is to you) your spirit must be free.