Defining Freedom

This Week's Quotation:

It’s a long road to freedom, a winding steep and high.
But when you walk in love with the wind on your wing
and cover the earth with the songs you sing, the miles fly by.

– Traditional Christian song

Defining Freedom

Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister

We sang this chorus at the convent I attended from the age of six. It became a part of my own life’s heart-song. 

Lately, it’s been humming its way into my consciousness as I consider the meaning of freedom while preparing for the Spirit of Freedom Tour to South Africa in less than two weeks.

Freedom means different things to different people, and our definitions have a lot to do with the stage of our lives we find ourselves in. My idea of freedom in my twenties was being able to gain independence, start a career, get a car, stay out as late as I wanted to and not have to tell anyone where I was going. I thought I was in control of my life. In apartheid South Africa, freedom was a political ideal which didn’t fully materialize. We hadn’t yet read the philosophies of Immanuel Kant and DH Lawrence who believed true freedom was spiritual in nature.

My fifties were all about releasing and grieving the dreams I believed were broken, including the unfulfilled expectations that I was raised to imagine as my birthright. They were also years of questing: What could replace of these earthly disappointments? Where would I find a spiritual home? What was the ultimate meaning of my life? I was singing Kris Kristofferson’s song about Me & Bobby McGee: “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose…”

Interfaith work showed me how this process evolves similarly for people of all religions and none – it’s a part of the human experience, if we are prepared to go there. Now I know that true freedom, for me, is the privilege of perspective. Sacrificing some of the “nice-to-have” parts of life is a small price to pay for the opportunity to focus on my soul’s mission. As I surrendered to the release of things I loved but which did not serve me, my path became clearer. The gift of that Catholic school chorus was the message that freedom lies in following that which makes your soul sing. I wish you joy, courage, enthusiasm and sustained curiosity on your journey. And so much love!

About Open Windows

We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world’s sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.

We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.