A Freed Man: An Emancipation Proclamation
Chapter: The Road to Freedom
"Freedom's just another word for 'nothing left to lose...'" -Janis Joplin, lyrics from Me and Bobby McGee
Through words that become sentences, and sentences that become books, literature, poetry, and song, our thoughts and ideas... our hopes and fears... are kept alive from generation to generation. However, their meaning evolves, not from generation to generation, but from person to person. Our "filter" for the interpretation of ideas is the attitude that we bring to our first encounter with them.
It determines which ideas we give power to. Attitude determines whether we draw the lines in the sand of our lives, or whether they are drawn by someone or something else. Though we are always holding the baton with which to conduct the symphony of our lives, it is common (and often convenient) to think that someone else is in control. But to be freed, we must accept the power that we have been given, and use it with love and wisdom.
It is almost impossible to quantify the impact that a single sentence can have on an individual. For many, the famous lines above from Janis Joplin's song paint a picture of one who has experienced hard times and has nowhere to go but "up." And certainly, it seems clear that freedom emerges as one works one's way through hard times. But I would emphasize the word through. It implies a transiting and not a "sitting." In other words, the hard times that we experience are finite; not in the sense that they will have a final ending, but that they represent a definite phase. The phase of hard times, or challenges, would be followed by that which we were endeavoring to create. But this idea is predicated on one first having some kind of positive vision (the wonderful dream) that they believe is worth giving their time and energy, their heart and soul to. Unfortunately, the fire of such an ideal is missing in too many eyes of the faces that I see.
Instead, for many of us, hard times are seen as never-ending. In fact, canonizing hard times seems to have become a trend. An attempt is being made to turn limitations and adversity into badges of status and pseudo-honor, in order to gain a perceived level of privilege. I don't mean to imply that it is dishonorable to be of limited means. (There is no inherent "honor" in controlling material wealth either. But neither is there inherent dishonor.) When misery becomes a social trend, "badges" are often worn with anything but honor or grace. The holders are not offering society anything that is of redeeming value. Instead they are saying, "This is how I am, and you are responsible!" "In fact, you made me this way! Therefore, you must love me and tolerate my behavior, no matter what I do! Don't expect me to respect you, but care for me!"
Instead of gaining freedom, angry, agenda-based factions-hell bent on demanding honor, respect, or retribution from others on the premise that an injustice was experienced at some place in time or history-paint themselves in an ever more restrictive corner. They come in all races, creeds, colors, and genders. Though they will gain sympathetic ears, they will not become freed, as long as the attitude that fuels the "in your face" anger remains in place. It will simply cause one to look for another "injustice" to point out for someone else to "fix" or else, pay for.
This cycle can be never-ending, for it is self-perpetuating, unless a very special way of seeing things is employed, reason. Anger that "turns off" respect for another, even one's enemy, blinds one to reason. But more important, it also deactivates the mechanism that stimulates self-enrichment, which then makes it impossible to build self-esteem. There can be no life enrichment unless an investment has first been made enriching oneself-with knowledge for the mind and values from the heart. Both aspects must be in operating order, and in balance, in order to be freed.
Knowledge is transitory. It is based on information that is relevant for the time and space that we are in. But values are time independent. They will always serve and protect one who holds them dear. Angry people who continually hold others responsible for their current state-whether they are homeless, jobless, promotionless, or any other kind of "less"-ultimately have themselves to "thank." While mitigating factors will always apply, people who are free recognize that the wherewithal to transform themselves is always available, especially in the United States. The issue is not whether a barrier will be transcended, but how. It fosters a very big difference in one's attitude and subsequent approach to life challenges.
One of the major lessons of freedom that we must learn is that it is self created through (a) initiative, (b) constructive collaborative interaction with others, (c) inspiration, and (d) perspiration and perseverance. Let's take a closer look at each point:
Initiative
Nothing that is of value can ever be finished if it is not first started. Initiative is the force that trips the first "domino." Through initiative, the first tangible steps toward a goal are made. But this is not a one-time application. Initiative must be applied over and over, again and again, throughout the process, in order to reach the desired goal. Each time an obstacle is encountered, initiative will help us find the way over, around, or through. Initiative is vital to freedom, for without it, we make ourselves "null and void."
Constructive, Collaborative Interaction with Others
The term interdependence comes to mind here. Our lives are not lived in a vacuum. From the moment of conception to death, collaborative interaction with others is necessary. At issue is the quality of our interactions. Though guidelines can be suggested-through social mores, and legislative initiatives-no one can actually "enforce" a quality of life for us. We must create it for ourselves. It is done by being the way we want others to be toward us. If respect is desired, then it should be shown and therefore, given to others. This is not done as a way of manipulation, but as a way of being. If truth is favored, then as a rule, we should be truthful in our interactions with others. Particularly important is that there should be no discrimination with respect to how you "are" relative to others. Be at your best, regardless of who you are with. This may not seem "cool" to some, but it is definitely the coolest way to be. We must always be open to ways to improve... our technique, approach, and understanding regardless of where the advice comes from. This is what makes life-defining achievements possible and turns our wonderful dreams into reality.
Inspiration
Inspiration is at the heart of our highest, most wonderful dreams. It is the force behind the force of all our positive initiatives. Initiatives can be made without inspiration, but not soul-satisfying achievements. If it is responded to, inspiration will transform one's anger into active energy, and move them toward a desired goal. There is no force more powerful than inspiration, and none more precious. Yet, in order for inspiration to be called upon, the mind must be open to transcending one's fears. Inspiration is the heart's answer to fear. It is a choice that is always available, if our mind and heart is open to a more satisfying scale of experience. Inspiration is a key element to freedom's realization for, in actuality, freedom is a uniquely personal experience. We all have freedom, but few of us actually know or experience its sublime sweet spot.
Perspiration and Perseverance
This is a metaphorical way of saying that we're going to have to work for what we believe in. Effort will have to be given, not because those who do not agree with our positions are evil, but because not all will see it. And I should add that until the effort is given toward an inspired idea, we will not see the entire picture either. Often, we may have to change our stance, rather than someone else that we may think is a "dimwit."
We are often quick to judge others as villains, ogres, and devils if they do not embrace our intellectual or attitudinal positions. But in reality, few people will immediately embrace a new idea and some ideas simply do not offer enough perceived benefit to those who might provide support. As it relates to freeing oneself of behavioral and attitudinal limitations, inspired responses to "opposition" makes us stronger and are particularly helpful in transcending fears. Will there be times of irritation, frustration, and sadness? Count on it. But call on your initiative each time to rise above "ill will" and continue on toward your goal.
Freedom is another word for the awareness that we have everything to gain, and are grateful to know it. It says "I am blessed to have so many wonderful options, and am able to evoke such meaning in my life." In order to appreciate the fragrance of the rose, one must be aware of its thorns for they serve a useful purpose. So does adversity. How we respond to the thorns of adversity determines how sweet the fragrance of our lives will be... how deep and wide our freedom.
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