FREEDOM
Main Entry: free·dom
Pronunciation: \ˈfrē-dəm\
Function: noun
Date: before 12th century
1: the quality or state of being free: as a: the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action b: liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : independence c: the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous d: ease, facility e: the quality of being frank, open, or outspoken f: improper familiarity g: boldness of conception or execution h: unrestricted use 2 a: a political right
(from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freedom)
I spent a few days last week, including the Fourth of July holiday weekend, at Easton Mountain, a retreat center for gay men near Albany, NY. I was there for the annual Freedom Camp, volunteering as a workshop facilitator and happily using my free time to play, laugh, cry, dance, and chill out with men from as far away as London. We came together to explore and express our version of freedom. As I made my way back to my home in New York City I refelcted upon the many ways that we had allowed ourselves to experience that, and wondered how I could bring more of that energy into my daily life.
A Freedom Meditation produced the following information:
“Everyone is free. That is the truth. No one is in bondage. All are free to be who they are, where they are. Even if you see others who may seem to be under great threat if they ‘dare’ to express themselves, please know that freedom comes with a clear heart and mind. We invite you to think of freedom as a spiritual practice. How free do you want to be? Where in your life do you keep yourself from freely thinking, feeling, speaking, and acting? What does freedom mean to you? You decide, and let it be YOU.” – At One
Amen!
Today I am grateful for new social and business connections, creative collaboration with Melea and Robin, Janet at Pfizer, my parents and siblings, hugs from Amma, deep meditation, laughter, tortilla chips and guacamole, a cool breeze, sunshine, and puffy white clouds.
Thanks and peace!
Joe
