Independence Day for All of Us

Here’s my first quote for Independence Day, 2010:
“It is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts... For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it.” –Patrick Henry
Illusions of hope? The worst? That sounds rather negative, doesn’t it? Shouldn’t we try to be more positive in this New Age of Aquarius?
Well, I can comment on that Aquarius thing, because in the immortal words of Jeff Foxworthy, I are one. Yes, the power of positive thinking, harmony and understanding is amazing. Ignoring the world’s needs and challenges, however, amounts to passing up opportunities to make the best happen.
We can hope the world will change. We can hope that everyone will be happy, healthy, environmentally responsible, compassionate, strong, and able to protect themselves and their homes from violation. Or we can hope the government will make yet another ten thousand laws this year that will finally make all this happen, without having to rely on the power of the individual.
My second quote, from Dr. Phil: “How’s that working for you?”
The Gulf is a mess, unemployment is absurdly high, we are still at war, and violent crime in this country has not gone away. When was the last time you saw Utopia abound around you? These problems are not new. And all the responsibility for fixing them should not be laid upon a few, such as our armed forces.
The government and Pollyanna hopes cannot take care of the world’s problems, no matter who is in charge. Even a brave brother/sisterhood of American soldiers cannot.
This country was founded on solid principles known as The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States. The Founding Fathers were not perfect, but you’ve got to admit, they had a pretty good idea! These documents were designed to work well in a country whose citizens pay attention to their ideas of freedom and individual responsibility. Only when the individuals in our nation take full responsibility for their own freedom and behavior will these founding principles become truly effective. The men who crafted this unusually successful government said as much.
So here’s my third and concluding quote for Independence Day, 2010:
“You must become the change you wish to see in the world.” –Mahatma Gandhi
What changes do you wish to see in the world? What’s your priority for the brotherhood of Man (and Woman)?
An end to actual and virtual slavery? An end to self-imposed bondage?
A world of people who understand their own personal power and wield it with responsibility and compassion?
A nation of citizens focused on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual fitness?
A world in which each individual is part of the solution rather than part of the problem?
Sometimes looking within to create change engenders the most difficult “anguish of spirit.” But it also holds the most promise.
Develop a sense of urgency for your life. Take action now to embrace your own power – to end your own bondage to fear – and begin communicating love, power and freedom to everyone you meet.
If you’re already there 24/7, more power to you! You ARE the Guru! =)

Juli Hartmann, LPC-S, LMT, Energy Worker and Martial Arts Teacher
Helping people free themselves, one person at a time
Juli is Master Instructor and Owner of Texas Holistic Arts Center / Sacred Source
For more information about martial arts classes, tai chi classes, kickboxing classes, kung fu classes, massage, Reiki and holistic healing in Liberty Hill/Leander, Texas, visit http://www.texasholistics.com, or feel free to call us at 512-778-5778
Texas Holistic Arts Center offers kung fu, tai chi chuan, kickboxing, yoga, massage, Reiki and special workshops, including weaponry and Reiki instruction. www.sacredsourcehealing.com or www.TexasNWC.com
Copyright © Juli Hartmann 2010