Thank you to my friend, Joni Palita, for the evocative photo and inspiring quotes. Plenty to think about as we celebrate the 4th of July in these interesting times.
“True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
“Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves.” ― Abraham Lincoln
“The function of freedom is to free someone else.” ― Toni Morrison, Nobel Peace Prize for Literature
Sorry, couldn’t resist this musician’s joke! You see, the distance between these two notes is a fourth, and the interval is called a perfect fourth. Get it?!?
But seriously, I hope a perfect 4th of July was enjoyed by all those who celebrate it.
It was certainly a perfect 4th here at Ananda Village. We celebrated both America’s independence and Ananda’s 54th birthday with a parade, games, a delicious dinner, choir entertainment, contra dancing, and friends galore.
When Ramesha and I got married (sixteen years ago!), the astrologically auspicious date was July 5, which happened to be a Monday.
My Dad was turning 70 on July 3rd of that year, so my sister and I decided that — since the family was already gathering for the wedding — we might as well add a surprise birthday party to the festivities.
It was quite the weekend: a wedding blessing and potluck Friday night; Dad’s birthday party on Saturday; 4th of July festivities on Sunday; and finally the wedding on Monday morning!
Turns out that was a preview of what our anniversary would look like from year to year — birthdays, national holidays, and now Spiritual Renewal Week!
Which all goes to say that we didn’t have the energy to do anything out of the ordinary today.
Today was the quietest 4th of July we’ve experienced in decades! Last year we were celebrating Ananda’s 50th anniversary on July 4th, so that was an especially huge celebration. But there’s almost always some variety of parade and games and special meal, with lots of fun and laughter.
This year, of course, we’re still physical distancing, so….no games, no parade, no eating together. And I haven’t even heard any fireworks (so far at least).
In this peaceful, quiet space I find myself reflecting on what it is to be “independent”. I think being truly “free” requires non-attachment. And that brings to mind the chant Nayaswami Maria spoke about earlier in the week…
I AM FREE by Swami Kriyananda I own nothing, I am free! In myself I am free. I own no one, I am free! In myself I am free.
I need nothing, I am free! In myself I am free. I need no one, I am free! In myself I am free.
In myself I am free! In myself I am free! I am free, ever free! In myself I am free.
I am joyful, ever free! In myself I am free. I am blissful ever free! In myself I am free.
I am nameless, ever free! In myself I am free. I am formless, ever free! In myself I am free.
This is the independence I aspire to!
Wishing you peace and inner freedom this 4th of July!🗽
