This past weekend, I had the honor to attend a workshop called “Choices” with Rosalind and Robert Fritz in Newfane, Vermont. One of the subjects we studied was the concept of freedom. Many of us will celebrate July 4th this weekend, and give thanks for those who have served, and continue to serve, in our armed forces. This is one of my favorite holidays of the year.
I was reminded during the workshop that there is another meaning of freedom, in addition to the freedom we have in choosing our work, how we worship and what relationships we have. It’s the freedom to allow others to think, choose and believe what they want, regardless of our opinion or how it affects us.
This concept challenged my current idea of personal freedom. I realized that there are times I want to control the way others think about me, including my family and friends.
My kids and band mates are free to respect me or not, to love me or not. They are also free to try their best or not. This is not a belief or an attitude, it is a concept based in reality. The reality is that there is nothing I can do to make someone respect or like me, regardless the actions I take. I’m not owed respect or love. This is not a freedom I give to someone; they already have it. Do I want to be loved and respected? Sure, but if I’m twisting someone’s arm to love or respect me is the love or respect authentic?
When we take action designed to manipulate others to respect or like us, we undermine the relationship itself. As Rosalind said during the workshop, “It’s none of my business what you think of me.”
We are all free to have the opinions and beliefs we have. There’s a freedom that comes from acknowledging that freedom, and it’s set the stage for us to work and live together
out of free choice.
Sharing this idea with you is another example of the freedom we have as Americans. You are free to think about it, and even share it with a friend – if you choose.
This July 4th, Party On The Moon® will once again perform our annual concert, in our hometown of Atlanta, in celebration of freedom. The crowd is normally over 250,000 people. It is an awesome event.
I wish you a wonderful Independence Day and encourage you to think of freedom in a different way this July 4th. If you’re in Atlanta, I invite you to come see us.
Let Freedom Ring!
Dennis
