Are You Truly Free?

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​“O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” - Francis Scott Key

As it is Independence Day here in the United States, it’s an opportunity to reflect on our freedoms. Though not complete freedoms, we do have a lot of leeway in regards to political, economic, religious, intellectual, digital, and personal liberties. There are also a lot of constraints around those freedoms and complacency is not going to bring about more freedom. Quite the contrary, it’s how we’ll lose our freedoms. 

As Americans, we will proudly tell anyone that we are a democracy. Imagine my shock when I spent some time in Switzerland and realized that they have a direct democracy. The people actually get to vote directly on issues; unlike our representative democracy, where we elect people to decide and vote for us. I know there are quite a few issues here in the States that I would like to directly vote on and feel like my voice actually matters. We have the freedom to vote, but everything is basically controlled by the two parties who choose our candidates. If the two current presidential candidates are the best these parties have to offer, it’s high time for a change and for the public to start paying attention to the Independent candidates.

We have freedom of speech, yet we don’t if it goes against the powers that be. Whether you were for the vaccine or against it is of personal preference. What I found beyond disturbing was to see people who were trying to educate the public of the possible cons of the new vaccines, so that we could make a somewhat educated decision, were slandered and silenced. Their bank accounts frozen, their licenses threatened. We have been granted critical thinking skills for a reason. One of the greatest freedoms we have is to question and think for ourselves which can become challenging when information is controlled, withheld, manipulated, or fear-driven. 

“The function of freedom is to free someone else” - Toni Morrison

​I believe every human on this planet deserves the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” as stated in the Declaration of Independence. Sadly, there are many who live with more restrictions than freedom. There are an estimated 49.6 million people in modern slavery worldwide, 54% are women and girls, and 12 million are children. (ILO, United Nations; OUR Rescue). Human trafficking involves forced labor, sex trafficking, forced marriages, and child soldiers. It’s estimated that over 1 million people are living in modern slavery within the United States (GSI). You can help make a difference by becoming aware of the signs and (like the slogan post 9/11), if you see something, say something. 
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"We must be free not because we claim freedom,
​but because we practice it." — William Faulkner

​When we think of the freedoms I mentioned above, those are external liberties. The freedoms I would like to celebrate today are the internal ones. Freedom from sabotaging beliefs, freedom from emotional blockages, freedom from the inner critic, as well as freedom from the walls we put up to protect ourselves from pain. I believe the most important and profound freedom is that of the Soul. The freedom to discover and express your most authentic self. The freedom to tap into and express your creativity. The freedom to connect with your innate gifts and talents and share them with the world. The freedom to shine your authentic light as fully and brightly as possible instead of dimming it, shrinking, and playing small. 

​ "Freedom lies in being bold." — Robert Frost

​It takes work to liberate ourselves from the societal, cultural, religious, and familial shackles that can hold our Soul back. Once removed, you will feel a greater sense of wholeness, connection, spaciousness, joy, and peace. It takes courage to question and challenge our beliefs. Often, we have taken on the beliefs of others without having realized it. It takes boldness to do the inner healing work from our past wounds and traumas; to heal the remnants from our past that weigh us down in the present. It takes persistence to silence that inner critic and allow our Soul’s voice to come through. Again, complacency does not lead to freedom. Being courageous, taking a stand for yourself, and stepping into action are what lead to freedom. While we may not have a lot of control around our external freedoms, we most certainly do when it comes to our internal freedom. 

Wishing you a Happy Independence Day,
Adrienne :)