independence Archives

Posted by Ellen Sichel on July 5, 2012

Yesterday, as we celebrated the 4^th of July we were honoring our independence.

I have been thinking about that idea and wonder what it really means to be independent. I work with those whom have some kind of illness or handicap and while they are dependent on others, they are still independent. They have cultivated an inner freedom that goes way beyond their physical state. They know that they are much more than their situation and are not victims of their circumstance. They live their lives making the choice to be positive and proactive. It is their attitude that makes all the difference.

From time to time it is helpful to explore how independent we really are. Are we truly living our lives with inner calm and ease?

Think about where in your life you have not yet attained independence. Let me know in the comments below.

Celebrate Freedom on the 4th of July

Posted by Ellen Sichel on July 1, 2011

Independence Day is a celebration of our nation’s freedom.

It is also an opportunity to celebrate your personal freedom and think about where in your life your are independent and where you are dependent.

Freedom is the ability to choose, and there are areas in our lives where we are not free.

We will always have needs, and that is natural. We lose our freedom when our needs stem from “reaction” or “craving”. When this occurs, our mind has bound us.

The practices of Mindfulness will set you free. When you are in the moment, you are grounded in yourself and your actions are from a place of choice.

This way of life gives us Independence from our own self imposed bondage- The ultimate freedom.

Where in your life are you independent? Where are you stuck? Let me know in the comments below.

Tags: chioce, craving, freedom, grounded, independence, mindfulness

Posted in: A Calm Perspective

Dependence or Independence?

Celebrate Freedom on the 4th of July