The Land of the Free
The 4th of July is an important date in the history of the United States. It marks the anniversary of our founders adopting the Declaration of Independence. This was the date when it was officially declared that this collection of states (former colonies) were now a free and independent country.
Setting aside the fact that on July 4, 1776 not every person living in what was becoming the United States of America was truly free…
I’m going to talk about what freedom doesn’t mean to me and also what it does mean to me…
To me, freedom is not about nationalism or staking a claim on a land, a resource or a particular way of life. It really has nothing to do with a flag or even fireworks.
What freedom means to me starts from deep within.
You see, without an internal “land” of the free, there can really be no external land of the free. The fetters that seem imposed on us by outside forces almost always trace back to what we believe on the inside. When we feel limited by other people, groups, laws, conditions or systems, there is usually a limited way of being within that is reflected.
When you feel trapped or stuck in a hopeless situation, getting unstuck often begins with an internal decision to make a change and also with a knowing that this change is possible and deserved. This can happen in a job setting, a relationship or a habitual way of living.
Freedom originates on the inside and emanates out.
For me, freedom is about finding that place without limits within myself– even if it’s a seemingly small corner of my life that otherwise feels full of restrictions. I can expand from that limitless place. There is no scarcity of freedom; it is there for anyone.
Freedom is about figuring out how to be the best I can be in any situation and living from that best-ness as often as possible.
Freedom is about looking for the bright, lit up parts in others and supporting them– being inspired by them– as they shine in their own way.
Freedom is about listening to my inner guide to know what is right and what is wrong from my unique set of values and priorities. This will help me know how to live in harmony with myself, others and the Earth.
Freedom is about trusting that all will fall into place as it needs to in life. Hurtful actions will be amended and corrected. Help and guidance will be available to those who need it. Opportunities will come to those looking for them.
Freedom is about opening up to learning from my past, my present and from others, even when it’s uncomfortable or painful.
At its core, true freedom is motivated not by hate or fear, but by love.
My challenge to everyone is to go within yourself to find YOUR internal land of the free.
This doesn’t require any of us to squelch the dreams and values of others. It also does not involve squashing our own dreams and values that may seem outside the created boundaries of “normal.” Move beyond some absolute proscription for what is right and what is wrong. Accept the invitation to get down to the basics of freedom as you understand it.
Your version of freedom probably won’t look anything like mine. It might not look anything like freedom does for your neighbor or even your parents and that’s okay too.
Carve out for yourself your own way of being free and encourage yourself to value and honor it and to live it fully. Let your internal freedom shine and be a source of positivity and inspiration for others.
