My Freedom Is In Your Hands

4/16/2022

Here is my reflection after reading the excerpt from Jacques Verduin's article:

We all are interbeings. The face of intrabeing is also the face of interbeing. What I do has an impact on the other and what the other has also an impact on me. We all are intertwined. If I am aware of my wrong doing and do not defend it and ask for forgiveness I get redeemed of my wrong doing. Every moment of offense carries within it the grace of redemption.

We all are facing the wave of COVID19 virus. If I do not take precautions such as taking vaccines and a booster it may have an impact on others who come in contact with me. We do not live on an isolated island. We all are connected with others. As I am 96 years old I am more susceptible to getting the virus. By taking vaccinations and a booster shot I am protecting myself and also protecting others coming in contact with me.

Responsibility is the other side of the face of freedom. In that way my freedom is in your hand of responsibility and your freedom is in my hand of responsibility. Sadly for some people freedom is a one way street. Free but not responsible. Knowing that we all are interconnected and remaining aware and implementing that knowledge in every walk of my life helps me act wisely. I know my freedom is in your hands and your freedom is in my hands. My fate is in your hands and your fate is my hands. We are interconnected. We are not an isolated island. May we all have this awakened state of mind.

Namaste!

4 Comments

Therese M. Griffin

4/23/2022 10:25:40 am

My Freedom is in Your Hands and Visa Versa...
We are all connected. At birth, each depends on others for food, water, shelter, clothes, cleanliness, etc. As we grow even at two years old, one of our first words we learn rapidly is "No." We want to do it "my way." In our young years, we are inquisitive about learning but we hold the secret card "I can make my own decisions." We grow into becoming Interdependency with the gift of Wisdom. "I" cannot do it alone, as we learn. I am not the Little Red Hen that no one wants to help cook or clean for the meal. Little Red Hen did all the work because everyone was too busy. They didn't understand when they were not invited to the feast.

An old-timer told me years ago, "We were taught young, "It's better to give than receive!" repeated three times. Hank continued, "We need to reverse those words, "In receiving, we are giving." (Repeated.) We like to help others. In receiving, we allow others to feel good about helping and giving in love.

The sleeping snake opened one eye as I've been making plans to travel to Chicago and along the way, to visit family/friends. I am into family/friends withdrawal because my last visit was in 2019. I'm doing fine, and I am moving forward. I can handle the trip, etc. At my Thursday Out-Patient Physical Rehab, I thought Therese; might be wise to ask the professional for their opinion. "What if they say, "No?" And I will live with their wisdom. She said, “Great! Enjoy! Remember, take it slow, drink lots of water, and rest often.”

Debbie Podwika

4/23/2022 06:18:53 pm

I love your comment on reversing the idea. I am a giver and get so much happiness from it that it is hard to let others do or for me to receive help. It might be also the "first born" feeling. Even my kindergarten teacher said I was helping everyone. I just never want to be a burden to anyone. I'm going to use that new phrase! :-)

Therese M. Griffin

4/23/2022 11:56:57 am

I like your reflctios. Thanks for taking time for your reflectios.
Hope to see you in satsanga.

Debbie

4/23/2022 06:24:36 pm

I love this post! I totally agree! I think people are forgetting to care for others. I remember watching a video where Dr. Jerome Kagan was studying Moral Emotions in children. He stated that some people will say, "I know it is wrong, I don't care!" That is the difference. Knowing something is wrong is different than the moral emotion of caring if you do something wrong or even others do something wrong. I think many in the world are missing the moral emotions.

When I read "my fate is in your hands and your fate is in my hands" I actually replace it with "life" which is the same thing, but I think makes the point even better. To me it is just LOVE! It reminds me of wedding vows! My life is in your hands and yours in mine. Maybe we need to make a vow with everything on this planet! As the song goes, "What the World Needs Now, Is Love, Sweet Love!" :-)

Mindfulness

My Freedom Is In Your Hands

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