FREEDOM MONTH: DAY 23: “Laws alone cannot secure freedom of expression; in order that every man present his views without penalty there must be spirit of tolerance in the entire population.” ― Albert Einstein
This quote is true of any and all freedoms. When the freedom is not recognized by others, it loses its impact of freedom. If I have freedom from drugs and alcohol, but face restrictions from practicing spiritual principles, I am not able to participate in what I believe is the only form of recovery.
In some countries, due to Communist practices, 12-step recovery was not possible; because of the restrictions of having God in the conversation. Any religious or spiritual practices were not possible. There are a lot of people in recovery today who do not understand what happened when AA and NA were finally allowed to be practiced in Russia and other Communist countries.
We may take this for granted, but there are other freedoms we do not allow or tolerate in others. We have our own “rules” and judgments about how others should act or be or do things. And it is terribly important that we allow and tolerate others in whatever fashion they may choose to express themselves and live their lives.
This is a challenge when we are talking about addiction. We do not see that allowing someone to reach the kind of bottom that they need to reach is the ONLY way they will get where they need to get to do what it is they need to do. We cannot impose our moral imperatives on others, even recovery.
That may not be their path, and we have got to sit well with that and allow them the dignity of making decisions we do not agree with.
How many parents believe that the partner or spouse their darling child is in relationship with is the “wrong” man or woman for them? It happens a lot. And yet, the child is going to choose what they want, and there is truly nothing that can be done, except to cause a situation to form that is dysfunctional and painful for everyone?
What if we just allowed everything and everyone to BE the way they are. That is what we want for ourselves; so, perhaps it is what the heart of all others wish for as well.
I DO NOT KNOW what is in the highest and best good for others. I just know my own preferences. How unfair of me to project those into your world. What if I just allow you to be free and accept whatever that may mean for you. Chances are very good that we will be comfortable in our relationship together, because you do not feel judged or put down.
Think about how often you take your freedoms for granted, but do not allow freedom to others. Perhaps, today, it will be your practice to give freedom to others. It is a tremendous gift, and it costs nothing. But, it WILL create more wonderful relationships than you have ever had before. And that kind of freedom, my dear friends, is the true meaning of unconditional love.
Dolphin Hug 