True Freedom
July Fourth is frequently a time of fun and frolic…backyard barbecues, camping trips, parades, hot dogs and yes fireworks. I know for me it has been all those things and more. This year my attention has been drawn to the frenzy that is appearing as doors open from isolation to congregating, and yes, it is under the label of freedom. For me, Freedom is to be FOR something not released FROM something and I am thinking of the essence of this holiday. To choose, to create a new republic, to build protection and possibility for all people – everywhere.
I can imagine my ancestors celebrating the freedom to leave behind the rules of monarchy and create something new. To be willing to do whatever it takes to create the life of their dreams. I suspect people crossing the terrain to our borders now are experiencing something of that desire…with all the complexity that entails.
The July blog subject is going to be self-care- not the advertised version of spa days and resort trips (although I am all for that) but rather what it truly means to know yourself and to care for yourself in a deep and lasting way. Each week will have an aspect of self-care as I have discovered it and I hope it will bring you inspiration.
Being free to do whatever we like – regardless of its effect on the world – is not true Freedom. That is simply the opposite of the supposed oppression. True Freedom is to create something new – to tap into the infinite possibilities that led us to technology world-wide and walking on the moon. I lost my first husband after the war with Viet Nam was over but he was a casualty of after war rescue efforts. For many years I held great anger at the government – Richard Nixon and anyone else who would stand still long enough to hear me rant. I couldn’t watch movies about that – or read books about it…I blamed everything and everyone else for my personal pain. I could chose to do that but I wasn’t free – Now when I see a soldier or think of the gift of Freedom I have always had to create something new – to be a Phoenix rising – I simply give thanks – and allow gratitude to fill my heart. That to me feels like freedom.
Have a safe and caring holiday – caring for the earth around us…so hot and dry this week – for each other -for all of us doing the best we can -and tune in next week to apply freedom to the deep caring of yourself.
