The tree is bound to the soil. The ocean is bound to the moon. The arrow is bound to the bow.
If we lived forever, nothing would matter. We could always put off that conversation, delay that trip, or defer that apology. It is the deadline that gives the project urgency; it is the end of the day that makes the sunset precious. To ignore our bounded nature is to live in a fantasy of "someday," which is really just a deferred form of life.
By binding your life intentionally (setting limits), you actually gain freedom from anxiety, envy, and exhaustion.
Sunshine Seniors plans to bring purpose and relevance ... - Facebook
The concept of "bound life" was first introduced by German philosopher, Helmut Plessner, in his 1936 work, "The Power of Habit and the Consciousness of One's Own Boundedness." According to Plessner, bound life refers to the experience of being confined to a particular social, cultural, or biological context, which limits an individual's potential, creativity, and freedom. This bounded existence can manifest in various forms, such as feeling trapped in a particular role, relationship, or social status.
The Bound Life: Prison or Purpose?
A place-bound life doesn't have to mean a restricted mind. As seen during the pandemic, when mobility was restricted, many people found new ways to engage with their local surroundings and families, finding "place-bound experiences" that highlighted the importance of home and immediate community. Finding Freedom in Routines