Your Freedom
You are free when you believe you are. I know, this sounds too simplistic, yes? But think about it, you were born as a free spirit into this world. What convinced you that you are not? Society? The rules?
Freedom begins in our minds. It is a belief and a knowing; it resides in the deepest part of our souls. It is always there, but it can become very buried. Our challenge is to uncover it and reclaim that inherent right.
Ask yourself today, "Am I really free in my mind?" If your answer is no, perhaps it is time to ask yourself why. What thoughts hold you hostage?
“Freedom, Sancho, is one of the most precious gifts that heaven has bestowed upon men; no treasures that the earth holds buried or the sea conceals can compare with it…”
(Miguel de Cervantes)
Uncrushable Spirit
Someone once told me, music is part of the joy wave. This is not hard to grasp, when you consider that each generation has its sound, that special combination of notes, words, and beat that speaks to the heart and soul.
In post WWII Russia, there were citizens who risked their own personal freedom to bring music from the West to the people. It had been banned; only particular Russian music could be possessed and played. This is a story about more than music. It is one of freedom, and the will of the human spirit to overcome soul crushing oppression.
It’s a fascinating story, even if you’re not particularly a huge music lover. Read the story of bone music here:
Bone music: the Soviet bootleg records pressed on x-rays
In freer societies of the West, it may be hard for people to comprehend not having the simple access to music they love. That basic freedom of choice just is. Or, is it? Lately there is heated dispute about who should decide and dictate what people can think and say. I stand back from it and I think, why is this even in debate? Were we not born with the inalienable right to think our own thoughts and express them freely?
Our Essence is Freedom
There was a time in my travels – I will never forget it – when the ocean spoke to me of freedom. A huge storm was blowing in, and word in the community was that within a couple of days the surfing would be stellar. That same night, my partner and I awoke at midnight to the thunderous sound of pounding waves. We headed out immediately to check it out at a nearby beach.
This was one of the calmer beaches, not a surfer hangout. The waves were already spectacular! There were no man-made lights, except for several small dots twinkling way off in the far distance.
When we arrived, the scene that lay before us took my breath away. The beach and the water were lit brilliantly by a magnificent full moon. Light clouds flitted in and out in the strong breeze. The rolling huge waves frothed white in the blazing moonlight, crashing wildly on the shore.
We removed our shoes and walked barefoot. The beauty and power of the scene were intoxicating, and my soul was unleashed in a way I had never experienced before.
I felt what it means to be just a human being on the Earth, and the inherent freedom of my soul. For just a little while, the pulse of nature ran through me like a jolt of electricity. I felt the wildness and joy of my essence. I was completely alive, and I did not want that feeling to end.
The wild, untamed places discovered in my travels without fail have this affect; they speak to my soul. And I have come to understand this:
Our soul’s essence is freedom, and we must never let that go.
A quote from Shawshank Redemption:
““Sometimes it makes me sad, though… Andy being gone. I have to remind myself that some birds aren’t meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up does rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they’re gone. I guess I just miss my friend.”
Claiming our bright feathers
Too many people now don’t realize that their feathers are too bright to be caged. We are taught to undervalue ourselves. We live in a society that makes us think we should not expect or strive for anything but a mostly joyless existence. When that changes, the world will also change. It’s time to claim your bright feathers, if you have not done so already.
© SL Hart 2022
In case you missed my last post: