Focus and Freedom: The Business of Living Fully

This Fourth of July is the second without my husband.  It’s hard to believe that 23 months have flown by, and that this month marks our 10th anniversary together.  While he may have passed from my life, he lives on in my heart, and in the heart of others that he touched. James loved the fourth of July, and he loved our country.  He was proud to be an American.  That seems to be in short supply, to listen to lots of folks on the street.  I, for one, am glad to live here, the “land of the free.”

Today I got a petition from a friend in France that set me to thinking. It had to do with the World Health Organization (WHO) wanting to force all people to be vaccinated against the “pandemic Swine Flu.”  I was shocked, but not really.  I recognize that our European neighbors are embarked on a path where “authority” will tell them what do do, decide the nature of their health care, and generally “take care of them – or not – if they don’t measure up or deserve it.”  Where does the line get drawn?  Unless Americans consciously guard their right to choose for themselves, beginning with our thoughts and actions, someone, somewhere, will to tell us what to do, how to think, and decide for us how we are to take care of ourselves.

How can we take personal responsibility for our life?  Pay attention.  Focus.  Decide what is important to you, and make it a priority.  Freedom is a gift in this country, paid for dearly.  It is up to us to choose to become free from the tyranny of our own “little” self/authority or ego.  Like death and taxes, our ego is a part of life.  It doesn’t mean that it has to run us.  In fact, the ego makes a lousy master. It is, however, a great servant.  One that is required if we are to focus on the details of our daily life.

The business of living fully is actually a simple, although not always easy, matter.  First, breathe in and out.  Today, for example, I woke up grumpy, and when I finished an early morning phone call that pulled me from my meditation, I found myself downright angry.  There are those people that just know now to ignite an inner fireworks display, no matter how peaceful we are or intend to be.  We all have them, and they spark us to anger, resentment, upset, sadness, or even longing.

None of these feelings are bad, nor are they good. They just are.  Our path to freedom is to focus on what is important, and choose on whom we will serve.  I choose to serve the authentic still small voice within.  With it, I am know there is always a way through and around any challenge.  Here’s to the freedom to learn, grow, and life fully.  So get moving, change your mind, your focus, and your life.