Independence
Independence Day
This is the month of firecrackers and
flags. There is however, an even bigger commotion and
celebration going on in many of us right now that gives
Independence Day a whole new meaning - one that is
not about war. It is about a state of mind and spirit.
I have found independence when I am able to share my
thoughts without the control of that inner editor who
is afraid of what others might think. I am independent
when I do not use judgment to distance or prejudice
to elevate myself. I am independent when how I look
like on the outside has become secondary to the appearance
and reflection of my soul. It’s when I care less
about what others think about me, and more about what
I think of the quality of my own character.
I am independent when I have gained the strength to make my own decisions and
not be swept away by the crowd or that idea which appears to be more popular.
I am independent when I am not afraid to ask the question that is uncomfortable,
but more honest.
For me, it’s Independence Day when I am willing to give all the love I
have to offer even with the risk of getting nothing in return. It’s when
I finally understand that hatred is about who I am and not about who the other
person is, or what I perceive they have done to me.
It's Independence Day when enlightenment, not materialism, is the raging fire
that breathes life back into your existence and you understand that love comes
from an open heart and hand, not a closed mind or fist. It's Independence Day
when you take control of your life and begin living deliberately from the center
of your own soul. I feel independent when I can allow someone else's point of
view to be as much a truth as my own.
I am independent when I can risk letting love break my heart open - again or
when I realize I could choose to be alone and still have an incredibly full life.
It is when removing the violence from my heart means I need to stop all harm,
even that which I create with words. It’s Independence Day complete with
fire works, when I sit in my fear and discover I am bigger than it is - when
I cry, laugh and dance with abandon. It’s when in the face of every challenge,
I remember to breathe.
I am independent when I speak my truth, when I stand on principle and when I
do that which is more loving. I am independent when my ego needs to be right
but my spirit instead opts for growth. I am independent when I can own my errors
without diminishing my worth as a person. I am independent when I release the
need for you to make me safe, make me feel lovable, or provide my good feelings
about myself. I am independent when I realize that I too am a work in progress,
with the right and freedom to learn from my errors.
I am independent when I can realize that I am a part of whole and have the courage
to give my individual gifts to the unfolding of us all. I am independent when
I can admit that I need you and am willing to be needed by you, as you become
more of who you are.
I have become independent when I hold fast to nothing and yet embrace everything.
I have become independent when I am able to see that though there is only One
Spirit, there are many parts and I commit to doing mine.
It's Independence Day when you can say; I am doing what I came here to do.
Arizona Together
July 2003
Dr. Dina Evan
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