I’m not one to use analogies that seem to imply harm to animals, but this one seemed to fit. There is an old saying that if you place a frog in water and slowing bring it to a boil, the frog will stay put until it dies. While I don’t know if this is really true, it’s often used as a suggestion that we often don’t sense danger when it creeps up on us slowly. When we are suddenly threatened on the other hand, our defenses rise quickly to the danger and we respond.
I’ve been reflecting on the topic of freedom a lot lately. Having served in the military for over 10 years, I have a strong feeling about the importance of our freedoms. The United States was formed on a foundation that places individual freedom as the highest ideal. Our freedom is distinguished from other governments as a means of honoring the human spirit. It places the individual before the government and guarantees that each of us has the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Going back to the frog, it’s clear that many people in the US would revolt in an instant if someone or some organization attempting to seize complete control and strip everyone of their freedoms. But we are living in a period where basic rights are being slowly and voluntarily stripped away; we are becoming the frog in the water that is slowly being raised to the boiling point. Well-meaning people are reacting to inequities or tragedies by insisting that government take action instead of searching within themselves and taking personal responsibility. It happens in all kinds of organizations, not just government. Let me explain.
When an individual deliberately takes advantage or abuses a company policy or perhaps inadvertently makes a major mistake, often the knee-jerk reaction by company leaders is to establish a new policy that prohibits or prevents it from happening again. Instead of focusing on the individual and addressing the issue directly, they assume there must be others ready to do the same thing. In the end, an entire company now suffers for the misdeeds of a single person. The same can be true of government where instead of addressing the individual culprit, an entire society is made to pay the price.
There is a rightful place for government to set the standards through law to protect the rights of others. Advances in civil rights for example and addressing inequities related to LGBT and similar concerns are positive examples. Matters of institutional inequality are often best addressed by sweeping changes focused on expanding freedoms rather then restricting them. On the other hand, when one individual or group of individuals seek to minimize the rights of others simply because their worldview is different (not necessarily right or wrong), we turn the flame up a little more toward the boiling point.
From a spiritual perspective, the highest ideal we hold dear is free will. This fundamental element is the key to our soul’s journey. Without free will, we experience slavery. We have the individual right to make our own choices and with it comes the obligation to treat others with equality and love. When we make choices that violate this spiritual foundation, we must live with the consequences. That doesn’t however mean that entire groups of people must pay for the mistakes of a few. The key to free will is that we take accountability and ownership of our spiritual missteps. This is one of the foundation truths of karma.
I sometimes wonder if our society has lost touch with the principles of individual freedom and accountability. In our pursuit of building higher collective consciousness are we ignoring the truth of our individual responsibilities? While each law or restriction (almost always well-meaning) may seem relatively isolated to a specific societal issue, over time, they erode and chip away at not only our free will, but our sense of personal obligation. When laws prevent people from making mistakes, there is no learning and we stunt our spiritual growth. This is why I believe the US was formed on a spiritual foundation designed to expand and accelerate the growth of the human spirit.
So next time we feel compelled to insist on government action or find an organization that insists on restricting the behavior of others because they perceive their own values and worldview is better or more noble, we should pause. Will this expand our freedoms and ability to express our selves through free will, or are we simply turning the water up a bit hotter?
I believe in the transformative power of human connection to elevate joy, restore balance, and support inner healing as you seek your highest purpose. My purpose in life is to be a guide, to share the wisdom of the Universe I’ve been gifted with, and to see others succeed. Nothing brings me greater joy than to see others step into their purpose in a vibrant and highly energetic way.
Searching for deeper insight into your highest life purpose? Trying to find your true path and discover how to step into your gifts and be aligned with your own truth? I offer a range of services focused on offering you insight and support on your life’s path. Check out www.connect2action.com for more insight and services.