At this time of the year, here, in the US, freedom is the dominant theme of the season. We think about our military. We think about all the people that don’t have the freedoms we do. We think about sacrifice and compromise for the greater good. It is an important part of our humanity to take time to reflect and send love and gratitude.
Freedom is not merely something that takes place in the external world. There are other types of freedoms that may not appear as grand, but are the foundation of the mindset that allows all freedoms to be attained. It is difficult, if not impossible to hold a consciousness for the world that we do not hold for ourselves.
So, let’s talk about these more personal freedoms.
The one that is on my mind everyday is the freedom of time. There is a lot to do on this planet and a lot I want to do. But, by the end of my workweek, I can’t wait for time to have no obligations – one day that I don’t have to do anything! I’m not saying I won’t do anything. I want a day that simply unfolds with no plan or appointments. I relish a day that is a stream of activities focused from my heart, not my head.
These days, rare as they are, reset my sense of being and my personal sense of freedom. They allow me to be a much more centered and kinder person to my self and others. And, I hear this from many of you. So let’s listen to that vital need of unscheduled time and allow to be a regular part of our lives.
Having time to be is critical to our sense of self and our relationship with all.
What other personal freedoms are important? Every single one.
How about the one I hear most often – freedom from judging one’s self. Stated in positive terms, this is the freedom of self-love and self-respect. Concerns and problems related to this freedom are often subtle and insidious. They can sound like: “I shouldn’t”; or, “I did this too much”; or, “not enough.” We all know the litany. This is an attempt to control our lives, and ironically it is highly restrictive because it takes us out of the flow of love, comfort, creativity and all the other life-giving energies.
Becoming aware of the negative belief that shuts down our ability to choose is the first step in embracing freedom. With that understanding, here is the simple, yet highly effective process that can release limiting beliefs and help you attain greater personal freedom:
- Acknowledge the limiting belief (to yourself)
- Bless it (with love and gratitude because you thought it served you for a while)
- Release it (breathe it out)
- Transmute it (visualize it turning into the gold light of truth and going to the world as a healing)
Letting go of the internal fight allows us to experience the freedom of love and peace. Devoting ourselves to the freedom of living in love is the greatest gift we can give our selves and the world. When we love ourselves, we are able to stand stronger and truer with others.
Choose to live in freedom. Take steps to live in joy, love, creativity, success, synchronicity and all that freedom brings.
Happy Independence Day – and Happy Every Day!