Hey there, dearest Lionies,
Today’s election feels like a reckoning, not just for the United States but for the world. I may be writing from Germany, but the pull of this election reaches across oceans and borders, stirring both profound apprehension and unexpected hope. We stand, watching and waiting, on the edge of what could become either a monumental shift toward unity and change or a jarring plunge into division and fear. There’s an urgency in the air, a sense that we’re standing at a crossroads where one path leads to transformation and the other to a dark kind of repetition. And for me, as for so many others who have faced trauma and worked to heal, the stakes feel deeply personal.
With so much at stake, today’s intention of steadfastness and the affirmation of being the freedom we seek feel especially resonant. To hold steady in the face of the unknown requires more than simply hoping for the best or bracing for the worst. It’s a call to embody resilience, to keep showing up in our truest forms, and to nurture the freedom within us even as we witness forces beyond our control. Steadfastness, in this moment, is not about an ironclad certainty but about a dynamic, grounded courage—a willingness to hold our own amid whatever unfolds.
And so, in this moment of unprecedented global tension, I find myself grounding in these practices of intention and affirmation that have become my guideposts. Today, let us each take a mindful breath, aware of the gravity of the moment, and choose to stand with steadiness and purpose.
Intention: Steadfastness
Definition
Steadfastness is the quality of being unwavering, resolute, and committed to one's principles, particularly when facing uncertainty or pressure. This intention anchors one's actions and emotions, allowing for resilience and continuity in values despite external forces that may seek to destabilize or sway. Steadfastness isn’t about rigidity but rather a dynamic firmness, adapting where necessary yet holding true to core beliefs.
In a Buddhist context, steadfastness can relate to "adhitthana" (determination or resolution), a practice emphasized in the Pali Canon as essential to cultivating a stable, balanced mind. Rooted in the Four Noble Truths, adhitthana encourages one to align steadfast purpose with compassion and wisdom, standing resolute against unwholesome states of mind while fostering inner peace.
Inspirations to Achieve the Intention
Anchor in Historical Perspectives: Draw strength from historical figures or movements that held steadfast in moments of immense challenge or change. Reflect on what enabled their resilience and how such stories of courage and endurance can inspire present-day determination.
Practice "Bare Attention": This mindfulness practice invites observing reality exactly as it is, without imposing judgments or desires. By regularly observing situations neutrally, you may find it easier to remain steady without becoming entangled in emotional reactions, especially in high-stakes or fear-laden environments.
Embrace Intentional Daily Rituals: A small daily practice that reinforces your intention can provide a steady rhythm amidst chaos. Whether it's a morning affirmation of values or a grounding physical routine, rituals provide a continuous thread of purpose, gently reminding you of what you stand for.
Journaling Prompt
In moments of challenge, what part of my belief system or identity remains most unwavering, and how can I honor this part more consciously?
Hint for Reflection: Consider recent times of inner conflict or external pressures. Identify where you felt most centered or least likely to compromise—this can reveal underlying values that are deeply woven into your sense of self.
Affirmation: We Are the Freedom We Seek
We are the embodiment of the freedom we yearn for. With each mindful breath, we nurture the fertile ground of our inner world, allowing outdated beliefs and habits to transform into nourishment for new possibilities. We recognize that we are not separate from the freedom we desire, but rather the living manifestation of its potential.
In this present moment, we create a welcoming space for the Mystery to initiate and sustain our sense of freedom. Our completeness is not measured by external validations but by how authentically we remain true to our intrinsic wholeness, even amidst life's challenges.
We are learning to speak the language of our souls, embracing the quiet undercurrents of our being. By choosing to live more authentic lives within the conventional world, we honor the hidden paths that lead to our truest selves. We trust in the cyclical nature of growth, allowing aspects of our lives to bloom, fade, and renew without resistance.
With unwavering dedication, we move towards the future meant for us, remaining flexible and at ease with our natural flow. We stand fully present in this realm, offering companionship to our everyday experiences while staying loyal to our unique qualities.
We are the universe experiencing itself through our distinct perspectives, deeply grateful for this opportunity to explore life through the divinity of our perceptive bodies. In recognizing our true nature as boundless awareness, we embrace the freedom that comes from knowing we are interconnected with all that is and ever will be.
Key Takeaway
The essence of "We Are the Freedom We Seek" lies in recognizing that true freedom—the freedom to choose, to speak, and to express ourselves authentically—is something we embody within ourselves and bring into the world through our actions and beliefs.
"True freedom is the courage to express and choose from our deepest values."
Journaling Prompts
What beliefs or fears limit my freedom to speak and act authentically?
Hint: Reflect on instances where you’ve felt hesitant to express your thoughts or make choices that align with your values. Consider whether these moments stem from self-imposed restrictions, societal pressures, or learned patterns that might be gently re-examined.
What small, intentional actions can I take each day to reclaim and strengthen my sense of freedom?
Hint: Identify moments in your daily life where you can practice expressing yourself openly—whether it’s sharing an opinion, honoring your boundaries, or making a choice that aligns with your values. These small acts can reinforce your commitment to freedom in both thought and action."""
A Shift in Perspective: Freedom and Steadfastness as Acts of Global Solidarity
Reflecting on the gravity of today’s choices and the ripple effects they may have, I’m reminded that steadfastness and inner freedom are also profound acts of solidarity. Every time we hold true to our beliefs—no matter the fear or uncertainty—we signal to the world that we are here, awake, and unyielding in our values. This election’s outcome, whichever way it lands, may shake the world. It could send out shockwaves, resonating as both a warning and a call to awareness. But even as we prepare for the unknown, we are not powerless observers. Each of us carries a part of this global moment, and each act of courage we make to live and express ourselves authentically adds to a collective strength that no single election or system can diminish.
By embodying freedom in our own choices, by standing steadfast in our values, we become part of a shared journey toward something better, even when the outcome is far from certain. This election may indeed be the earthquake or the rocket launch, but either way, we hold the power to keep moving forward, to stay grounded in what we know is right, and to honor our shared humanity. This, too, is freedom—freedom as action, as intention, as a way to shape the world we want to see.
Closing Thoughts
Today, as we wait and wonder, may you feel the strength of your own steadfastness, knowing that you are part of something much larger. May you breathe in the courage to act with integrity and hope, even in the face of uncertainty. Remember, freedom is not granted to us—it is something we reclaim, again and again, as we walk together into the future.
With steadfastness and love,
Jay
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