freedom, liberation, independence

Freedom. Liberation. Independence. These are substantial words with significant meaning, heard and celebrated on recent holidays like Canada Day and the 4th of July in my part of the world.

I took this picture yesterday morning, a 4th of July sunrise:

It struck me as I considered the state of my nation and our world. Some light. Some dark. Clouds and clear skies. Beauty and opportunity blend with dark times and uncertainty. I land on the hope, always hope, of a new day and move forward; striving to contribute, not contaminate—wherever I go, whatever I do, whoever I am with.

And then I considered these words—freedom, liberation, independence—from the lens of my own heart, mind, soul, and body. I arrived at a wellspring of gratefulness. Toxic and repetitive thoughts, complacency, unseeing (a.k.a. denial) have held me prisoner in ways, sometimes for decades, sometimes for mere moments.

Some light. Some dark. Clouds and clear skies. This is my life. Dark times cannot be entirely avoided. Freedom and liberation do mean that I don’t manufacture my own dark times like I used to. Healthy daily practices have brought me independence from the parts of my self that were holding me back. So many others and Great Spirit have helped me immeasurably.

And when I see and feel my own freedom, I am more likely to see and feel yours, or help you find some. I land on the hope, always hope, of a new day and move forward; striving to contribute, not contaminate—wherever I go, whatever I do, whoever I am with. Onward!