Let Freedom Ring and other personal musings

“Truck?”

“Did I have a dizzy spell?”

“No… Earthquake…” We all stood, sat – wherever we were – transfixed and unsure of where the safe zones were and whether we should even try going there. By the time the heavy wrought-iron chandelier stopped swaying, we had already exhaled and continued whatever had been our do-ing. Yes, despite all the musings about Freedom and expectations around Celebration, this was going to be a different kind of Independence Day.

It’s taken me well over a week to be able to finish this blog. I felt a malaise about the holiday, but not just because of the prevailing yuck over politics and the state of American affairs. It was actually the desire to be thoughtful and non-judgmental and zen about the day that made it show up how it did – without a barbeque, fireworks, or any other traditional pastime.

By chance, we ended up having dinner with a German friend going home after 13 years here in the U.S. Even though she still holds a fondness for her adopted country, the high rents and stress-filled jobs have made living a good life too unsustainable in Southern California. I’ve heard the refrain often: You Americans work too hard. You’ve forgotten how to live your lives. Then she touched briefly on the subject of patriotism and how frowned upon expressions and displays of it were when she was growing up in Germany. It was after the war of course, and everyone – even those not responsible – continued to live the shame. Thus my careful avoidance of the red, white and blue outfit, I realized. Despite all the Instagram posts designed to cheer – babies and foods dressed up red, white and blue – I just couldn’t find a single one I felt compelled to Like.

Even the intention to write about my personal journey of independence and freedom made no sense, since the past weeks have been about whether that story is fiction or not. According to shaman and friend, “You moved because of your heart…it was a ‘geographical solution’. You are running away but still bringing and suffering your problems…”

So I realize this July 16th that this past Independence Day was not about Us. It was about You and Me – each of us – and what our relationship is with fear (earthquake!), patriotism, independence, and freedom. Maybe it’s time for the quiet reflection without being bombarded by negativity or how things should be, thinking instead to next year – maybe even tomorrow – and how we do It as part of the collective.