Meditation: On Independence

No matter how many declarations you've made, is there something you still need to be free of? If you're like me, you can take the cure and still not be entirely well, let go but still feel tied. Like Thomas Jefferson, you've probably travelled this weekend to escape the "excessive heats of the city." When your key turns in the lock again, how will you feel? Is your home a true haven too, or is there something there that holds you back, that doesn't represent who you are today?

As for me, my home is full of signposts pointing backward: photo albums, letters, cds I used to love. Some of it's worth keeping, but do I need to carry it all with me? Will my dear departed Papa Joe forgive me if I jettison the awkward little table he made by hand? Then, too, there are signposts to the future, to who'd I'd like to be: the person who's read that book, the one who grills and juices. Between who I was and will be, have I left enough space for the present?

This year, between the barbecues and fireworks and beach trips, let's spend some time getting free. Photo credit: tread

Comments (9)

Hear hear!

A great occasion to pause and reminisce, as well as celebrate. Thank you for a powerful reminder that being American is a state of mind, rather than possession of a passport or choice of geography.

Yuriy,

Please post somewhere else.

this made me think. thanks.

Thinks to ponder while at home on the 4th of July

**** The American natives have been fighting for their land ( now your land ) since 1492. Appropriately said they have fighting against terrorism since 1492.

**** What to the American Slave, Is your Fourth of July ?
http://www.revcom.us

ooh you have a couple of strange comments! Anyway what you said is so true - CD's (and other things) you used to love - might you love them again? Or is it better to free yourself so you can move on and make space for new things to love? Hmmm.

i don't think the point is to get rid of stuff to make space for more things. i think it's to get rid of stuff to make space, period.

In terms of looking backward, what's a good, sleek photo album?

i've always liked the KOLO albums you can find at just about any stationery store these days (also try Barnes & Noble, probably Michael's Crafts has them too). Kate's Paperie has some really lovely ones as well if you wanted something more elaborate.