Land of the Free

 
     "Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o're the land of the free and the home of the brave?"  Our national anthem was written after a military victory, but citizens in many walks of life have contributed to sustaining freedom, our own personal freedom and the freedom of others.
      Rituals at the beginning of sporting events and public meetings often include listening to and singing our national anthem with the expected body language or saying the Pledge of Allegiance.  Prayers are often added.  Everyone involved should have the freedom to participate or not.
     We need to think about why these rituals begin these activities.  Perhaps they make us all feel like a unified group living in a free country.  After we honor country and God, we can get on with business or play; however, forced patriotism and religion does not connote freedom.
      Freedoms are unlimited as long as they're legal.  We need to question why some people get so insulted when others do not toe the line, do not conform to the norm.  We don't want to understand and instead add a negative connotation to the non-traditional behavior.
     We can show respect without being traditional, and respect is a two-way street.  Some people do not feel respected by the majority, by our president, or by law enforcement officers.  Our Pledge states we are one nation "with liberty and justice for all."  Some people feel they haven't received justice.  They are using their freedom to express their opinions.  Making people aware of injustice and trying to improve conditions for everyone is patriotic.
     Before 2009, the NFL entered the field after the national anthem.  Between 2011 and 2015, the Defense Department paid $53 million of taxpayers' money to pro sports for marketing and advertising and to stage patriotic/military displays to boost military recruitment.  Perhaps contact sports train our youth to fight the enemy, to win the battle, to claim the honor of victory.  
     Look to the eagle, a symbol of unlimited freedom.  May we extend this freedom to all.
   
     
   
   

Give Up

   
     What you want to give up, what you would be willing to give up, what you would be better off giving up, this reveals what you value most.  You may have to give up something in order to get something else.
     Unhealthy physical and emotional habits, unresolved guilt and grudges, and unrealistic expectations are a few things we need to give up in order to become better human beings.  Giving up wasteful spending of time and money and releasing attempts to control what is beyond our control will create more resources to use for what is really important.  Judging what we can do without makes us realize what is essential.
     No matter how well we plan, we may be forced to give up things we don't want to.  Natural disasters force people to lose their homes and possessions.   As we age, our health, our time, and our energy will decline.  Sickness and death of family members and friends take their toll; our memories become our comfort.  We can learn to do without many things, appreciate what's left, and create something new.  Let go of what needs to go.  Face each challenge and don't give up on yourself.

Non-traditional

   
     Traditions have their advantages: predictable, nostalgic, comfortable, and safe while honoring the past, family, and ancestors.  The non-traditional also has advantages: originality, progressive, modern, and creative while valuing the present and future.
     We can remember and honor the past without repeating it.  Just because something worked in the  past doesn't mean it should remain the same; improvement should be considered.  Families, societies, and religions often count on rituals to reinforce beliefs and values, to create a shared experience, and to form a group identity.  Imagination and courage to take a risk on something new allows invention.  Our opinions and decisions can be just as valuable or even more valuable than what has been set by others.
     Tradition can decide how we spend our time and money, all because a schedule and calendar has been set.   How we dress, what we eat, and how we celebrate are all influenced by tradition. Commerce then uses our traditions to get us to spend money.
     Have confidence that you can design your own life.  Analyze the past with an open mind and have the courage to be non-traditional.
   
     

Simmer and Boil

   

    

      A pan of water will  remain cool and calm until a source of heat causes it to warm up, simmer, and boil.  Prolonged heat will cause the water to evaporate or boil over.   Image that water is your emotions.

     Remaining calm and contented is a state preferred by many.  Others seem to have a need to live in a state of highs and lows.  They seek out the sentimental and the sensational or get agitated and upset easily.  Some are judgmental and resentful, even hold grudges.  Others seem to bask in getting attention and affection.  Their feelings are of utmost importance.

     If you have been born with an "emotional" personality, if your parents have considered this trait endearing and unchangeable, or if you have been otherwise rewarded for this behavior, you may not have reached emotional maturity.  Some parents encourage emotional expression while others may consider some emotions bad and encourage repression of feelings.

    Whatever type of upbringing we have experienced, we may need to train ourselves to take control of expressing our emotions effectively.  Keeping a cool head is more effective even when circumstances or inner conflict tempt you toward emotional reactions.  Of course, we all need to let off a little steam at times, but try to turn down the heat before you boil over.

Lessons from a Palm Tree

   
     During the worst hurricanes, the palm tree survives.  We could learn a thing or  two from their characteristics.
     The palm has a super large anchor of short rambling roots spread across the upper layer of soil which creates a wide network.  We might benefit from extending ourselves to the right and left, toward liberal and conservative ideas in order to connect with a  wider area of thought.  This anchor will contain a better understanding of ourselves and others.
     The leaves or fronds of a palm tree are huge with flexible spines.  In nice weather, the fronds spread out and make a canopy.  In strong wind, they fold up with less resistance against the elements.  When fronds snap off, they further reduce resistance, spare the trunk, and grow back within a few months to a year.  We benefit from being flexible instead of rigid.  We can go with the flow and drop superfluous ideas in order to form new ones.
     More lessons come from the coconut palm which completely develops the nut with a hard, water resistant shell that can withstand many traumas.  When it separates from the tree, it drops to the ground or into the ocean where its buoyancy allows it to survive and travel great distances.  We must prepare our little nuts to be independent, handle the difficulties of life, leave home, and often live far away in order to be successful.