Bondage is of the mind, and freedom is also of the mind. The wretch who constantly says, 'I am bound, I am bound', only succeeds in being bound.

(from "The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna"):

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Bondage is of the mind, and freedom is also of the mind. A man is free if he constantly thinks: 'I am a free soul. How can I be bound, whether I live in the world or in the forest? I am a child of God, the King of Kings. Who can bind me?' If bitten by a snake, a man may get rid of its venom by saying emphatically, There is no poison in me.' In the same way, by repeating with grit and determination, 'I am not bound, I am free', one really becomes so — one really becomes free.

....The wretch who constantly says, 'I am bound, I am bound', only succeeds in being bound. He who says day and night, 'I am a sinner, I am a sinner' verily becomes a sinner. One should have such burning faith in God that one can say: 'What? I have repeated the name of God, and can still cling to me? How can I be a sinner any more? How can I be in bondage any more?

If a man repeats the name of God, his body, mind, and everything become pure. Why should one talk only about sin and hell, and such things? Say but once, ‘O Lord, I have undoubtedly done wicked things, but I won’t repeat them.' And have faith in His name.