by Kadin Oliva
As the Independence Day weekend approaches, I ponder the idea of freedom. My mind wanders to less of a physical ideal and more toward an internal sense of freedom. As I ponder this idea, I notice a large amount, if not all, of my internal suffering stems directly from desire- more specifically, my attachment to whether or not my desires are fulfilled.
Above all, I understand that I am human. Humans have egos. Ego is desire. So if I can’t rid myself of the ego, what CAN I do to relieve myself of this suffering?
After failing efforts to push or pull at what’s around me, I realize that my only option is to detach and to simply see my expectations as expectations rather than embody them as the ultimate truth. Some call this surrender. Some see this as a transference of authority to God’s will rather than human will.
All perspectives can be relative as all roads lead home. For me, living in a constant state of “letting go” is my road to peace. Am I perfect? Far from it. When my knuckles are white from gripping the life I see in front of me, I can remember to give it away and fall into the hands of my great creator. All is as it should be. I am always free. All I must do is remember my freedom, and let myself fall into the steady flow of the river of life.
“Freedom from desire leads to inner peace.” – Lao Tzu