By Gregory Copploe
I am reminded every 4th of July about the word freedom and what it means, not only to this country, but how this word situates itself within my soul and what it means to me on a deeper level.
We have the freedom to tear down the walls of hatred and anger, and we have the freedom to lift others and create change that we all see is needed if we are to progress and more importantly, to survive as a species on this planet. We do inevitably need to work together, or we will be extinct. There is no ambiguity and no question within this statement. It is simply truth.
Too often, I see freedom as evil incarnate as it meanders around Earth, reeking havoc on others, creating a sense of continued strangulation, rather than a release and a continued flow of light and synchronicity.
Freedom does allow us a choice, a choice to be entwined within our self agenda, or to expand this gift in another way, where we see a continued connectivity and synergy with our fellow man. We have the freedom to take two parking spaces, to scam someone out of money, to beat down a fragile and vulnerable spirit, just because we can. We have the choice to kill, to steal, or to make right the wrongs we do and make amends as we trail a path and create a journey full of choices, full of freedom, or full of constriction and hate.
On the 4th of July, I reflect on the word “freedom” a word that many will never understand or experience in their lifetime. It is a privilege to have a life full of choices and pathways that are illuminated through thought and action as we shape our story.
I won’t forget how my Dad almost lost his life in the Vietnam War, and how he truly believed he was fighting for our freedom as this war led to his early death almost 30 years ago. Freedom has many connotations, varied meanings, and a distorted view for many of what it means to be free.
I still see cultures in this world fighting for that freedom, to be treated equal among their brothers and sisters as they are still beaten down, and not given the same opportunities as their fellow man. Freedom can be an insipid beast, but also a friend that unites and cleanses us with kindness and love.
Freedom is a privilege. Freedom is a choice. What will you do with your freedom? How will you fulfill your soul journey as you navigate the labyrinth, awaiting the day when you return home?
What role will you play, and how will freedom propel you to do your greatest work? Will you use it for good, as a vessel of light for your highest good? It’s a double edged sword, much like free will, and your choices matter. You make a difference in what you choose, and how you choose to do it.
Today I reflect on freedom. It is vast, and all encompassing, and it encircles me and reminds me to take the road that bleeds with truth, for only this road will lead to healing. Only this road will lead to love. Only this road will lead to our survival.
