PEBBLE
Letting go gives us freedom…the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything – anger, anxiety, or possessions – we cannot be free.
–Thich Nhat Hanh, shared by Kal in California
BOULDER
Freedom is not so much the absence of restrictions as finding the right ones, those that fit with the realities of our own nature and those of the world.
–Timothy Keller, Every Good Endeavor, shared by Dave in Milwaukee, WI
PONDER
Freedom is a complex concept, and it means so many things to so many different people. Because people view it differently and value it differently, it can be a tricky topic to explore…especially when our goal here is to keep these ripply splashes brief and relatively light.
Still, I like to ponder the concept of Freedom around this time of year when folks here in the U.S. are lighting sparklers and celebrating our country’s Independence Day. While these quotes are approaching the idea of freedom from different angles, they share a common thread, suggesting there is a lot we can do internally to cultivate a sense of freedom.
However you’re celebrating the 4th of July (and even if you don’t…hat tip to our readers who are sprinkled around the globe!), consider this an invitation to consider how you might expand your sense of freedom by changing how you think about it. Maybe there are some ways that lightening your load could help you feel a little more free? Or maybe something that has previously seemed like a restriction or constriction needs a fresh look?
A few weeks back I was grumbling and grouching my way through some minor knee pain which was considerably lessoned just by taking the stairs a little more slowly. While I’m glad things are mostly back to normal, I’m still appreciating how the slower pace was in some ways also a little freeing.
May something shift, either internally or externally, for you to expand your freedom this week.
Peace,
Paul
