Freedom!

In this picture, we just completed a 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Mt. Ryan at Joshua Tree National Park, gaining over 1,000 feet of elevation. The shoes I wore were new, and I never walked in them more than around the house. My pinky toes had blisters halfway up. I still had to make it to the top and back down again. All I was focusing on was putting one foot in front of the other. Even though my blistered toes were still there, once I reached the top, I experienced a sense of freedom.

What is freedom? Genuine, unconditional freedom? You might want to take a moment to explore this question for yourself. I'd love to hear your definition in the comments.

Freedom doesn't always feel comfortable, and it can't be reduced to solely a feeling. It isn't a perfect experience. It's not when a system provides us with all the necessary protection. And it's definitely not when all the circumstances work in our favor. At least that's what I have come up with thus far.

In the past few weeks, I've been thinking about freedom, our human purpose, and how we relate to each other, especially when we disagree. I noticed that we often reduce our experiences to what's happening on the surface, focusing on how we can make it easier for ourselves, how we can get ahead, how we can stay safe, and what we can get in return, especially when our livelihoods are jeopardized by what we see happening in the world.

Freedom, as I explored it, is about moving past discomfort, past thoughts and emotions, and into something greater than myself and what I think is important. It's a sensation that overexceeds lived experiences. It might be explained through compassion for humanity, trusting that we will receive and surrender to life's happenings.

Just like this morning on my walk to the stairs by the dam near me. A hello, a few minutes later turned into a brief exchange and a 15-min walk, and during that walk, something became clear. Our minds limit us in protective ways. Because of what we see, it takes practice to build that trust and to dare to go beyond our comfort zone. Like getting into a conversation with a stranger, with no strings attached, unless you believe there are.

Freedom, unconditional freedom, starts in our mind. It starts with letting go of previous ideas and thoughts, and allowing the unexpected to unfold.

What if freedom is untangible, untainable, and untouchable? What if freedom isn't measurable? Would it be enough and possible to have a sincere heart and compassion for all beings without judgment and pure curiosity? I know it is, and again, it takes practice in letting go and believing that there is something greater we can work towards that we can't see and touch. Above all, it takes trust.

Exploring how freedom shows up in our lives through the two examples above: physical & mental, and individual & collective. Freedom, in my opinion, happens when we accept and let go of our physical and mental forms, recognizing that nothing matters more than being able to breathe and caring for the body we carry through life. This approach will ultimately move us from an individual-centered being to a collective being and prioritize our efforts toward experiencing freedom, wherever we go and whomever we are with.

Share your love. Our human existence depends on it. 💕 #community #breathe #bepresent #compassion #love #freedom