...and the secret of freedom is courage."
These words by Carrie Jones are inspiring to say the least, and very poignant as we have arrived at the end of April.
As the roadmap out of lockdown moves forward, one word which has been repeatedly mentioned forms the subject of the blog for this month.
Freedom.
First recorded in 1886, the proverb "April showers bring forth May flowers" holds much gravitas for our current situation. Outdoor hospitality resumes, indoor leisure including gyms are reopening and all retail is allowed. Nevertheless, many are still concerned about the long-term future in weeks and months to come. Therefore, I hope that you are able to connect with the subject of this blog and find some inner peace and freedom throughout the uncertainty.
As businesses have reopened and people have been allowed to socialise outdoors, so many discussions have centred on the new-found freedoms. But why is this word so important?
I shall be examining the lives of some people who demonstrate the connection between hard work and freedom, and how they are able to look beyond themselves as an individual and try hard to look to the best interests of the universal. They aim to help other human beings through their work and point them in the direction of freedom.
Albert Einstein said:
"Freedom in any case is only possible by constantly struggling for it..."
These words seem to represent a strong contradiction as qualities surrounding freedom and struggle are the exact opposite. How can the supposed tranquility of freedom coexist with the turmoil of struggle?
Looking beyond this apparent conflict, let's consider the essence behind it. Einstein is suggesting that we have to put effort into achieving freedom. This is reflected in his own life and career. Becoming acknowledged to be one of the greatest physicians of all time would not have been a simple task and it is clear that Einstein faced his own personal challenges along the way.
During one of Einstein's visit to the United States, Adolf Hitler came to power. Thus, Einstein was not able to return to his home in Germany because he had been born into a family of Jews. Hitler was actively hunting Jews and apportioning blame to them, with disastrous consequences for the race and millions of lives being taken. The life of Einstein was immediately turned upside down in that moment. Given that Germany had been his home, one could say that he lost freedom. He could no longer travel, communicate or go about his life with the same freedom.
What is more, Einstein opposed two major physics theories. Firstly, despite contributing to quantum mechanics, he disagreed with what it turned into, arguing that "nature does not play dice". Secondly, he tried to devise unified field theory by generalising his geometric theory of gravitation to include electromagnetism. This meant that he became increasingly isolated from the mainstream of modern physics. Yet again, he appeared to lose freedom as a result of his differences in opinion.
Now, don't worry, I am not going to even pretend to try to give you a physics lesson about these complicated theories...
However, I think what is important to learn from this story is how Einstein had to face adversity in order to find freedom. He didn't let the apparent loss of freedom hinder his life. He was able to settle in the United States and became an American citizen. He demonstrates how freedom can arise from hardship.
I shall go onto illustrate a recent experience in which I could have succumbed to the loss of freedom, and been disheartened. Albeit a simple example, I think it portrays how we can practically apply the notion of working hard to achieve freedom in our daily lives.
For me, the picture above signals conflict.
For most people, it portrays a beautiful and sunny day.
For me, who was eager to go sailing on that day, there was a problem.
No wind.
I had to work through the disappointment of not being able to sail and instead enjoy a gorgeous walk. By letting go of that desire, I was able to find freedom and took delight in the pleasant and natural surroundings.
This may be a simple example but I think it portrays regular and ordinary daily obstacles we may face to reach freedom.
Mortimer J. Adler said:
"True freedom is impossible without a mind made free by discipline"
Once again, this quote highlights how freedom doesn't come without willpower and determination. Mortimer J. Adler was an American philosopher, encyclopedist and popular author during the 20th and early 21st century.
From an early age, his ambition was to become a journalist. This all changed when he returned to school to take writing classes at night. He discovered the western philosophical tradition and his direction in life was immediately altered.
He spent many years of his youth examining works of men whom he would describe as heroes, including Aristotle, Plato and Thomas Aquinas to name a few. He was happy to give himself space and time in which his thoughts could develop and evolve.
He achieved many accolades throughout his life, including a doctorate in Psychology, the success of writing multiple books and being a founder of the Great Books of the Western World programme. Nevertheless, a willingness and openness to change, reflected in his dramatic career change, highlights how he was able to find freedom.
His quote above signifies how there must be diligence and industrious qualities within one's life in order for true freedom to be acquired. He attempted to bring philosophy to the masses throughout his life - no mean feat - and was rewarded with his some of his books becoming bestsellers. His life may be taken as an example of someone who looked beyond the individual and tried hard to embrace the universal and help others with his philosophical discoveries.
We can't conclude this discussion of freedom without considering the notable marches organised by Martin Luther King Junior, described as...
Freedom Marches.
Around a quarter of a million people marched on Washington for Job and Freedom on August 28th, 1963.
Over 3000 members of the press reported on this historic march, in which Martin Luther King Junior delivered the uplifting "I have a Dream" speech.
Celebrated as one of the greatest speeches of the 20th century, the speech was broadcast live by television stations across the country.
For me, a particular part of this speech stands out and is worthy of brief examination:
"I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together".
Starting with the phrase "I have a dream" already elevates the emotion of these words, as Martin Luther King Junior was not afraid to be honest and reveal his aspirations, despite living in a nation torn apart by social unrest and racial strife.
He continues with moving words to express his desire to see a future when the need to struggle for basic rights will not exist. He is not afraid to paint a picture of what America could be like.
He refers to the coming of the Messiah in his following words "one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight", and hopes that all difficulties will have been eradicated ahead of his arrival.
He hopes that everyone will be equal "all flesh shall see it together" and it is clear that he calls on people to remember and concentrate on their similarities and not their differences. Being human is what unites us all. He looked to people to change their deepest feelings and to embrace being human. To banish racial hatred and the thoughts which divide communities.
Throughout the speech, he engages with clarity, passion and conviction. All of these qualities made his speech compelling and encouraged everyone to work together to bring about freedom. He uses simple and concise language which ensure that no-one is alienated. Just like Mortimer J. Adler, he was keen to look beyond the individual and embrace the universal. He was able to draw people in with his words and take the audience on a journey of hope. One of his famous quotes echoes this sentiment:
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope"
Whether or not you have a connection with a religion or faith, it is a truly heartening speech and I would encourage you to spend the time to read or watch it in its entirety. His thoughts of freedom carry Martin Luther King Jr. through the deepest of difficulties and allow him to remain positive for the future. What a wonderful reminder for us during this uncertain period of time.
Originally planned to last 4 minutes, the exalted speech, ended up continuing for over 17 minutes. And it didn't take long for the dream to be acted upon, at least in the legislative part. After a decade of lobbying, President Lyndon Johnson signed into the law the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Undoubtedly, there continue to be struggles in relation to the obstacles raised by this march, as is the case with many other civil issues. However, the essence beneath the actions of Martin Luther King Junior was the fight for freedom. As all of the other aforementioned examples have demonstrated, he was conscientious in his efforts to grasp freedom.
For him, hope and freedom seem to hold equal importance:
"If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you to go on in spite of it all. And so, today I still have a dream"
Even more remarkable words by Martin Luther King Jr. and so rousing for us as we continue to navigate through uncertainty. Ten years after he joined the civil rights fight, the campaign to secure the enactment of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and achieved its goal - to make sure that black citizens would have the power to represent themselves in government. This man was able to work hard and move through difficulties to reach freedom. Let us consider how we can integrate freedom into our daily lives - it may not consist of participation in a global march but it won't necessarily have any less of an impact. Work hard to remain positive, surround yourselves with loved ones and any dream is possible. Now onto daffodils...
The beautiful vase of daffodils pictured above filled the house with bright colours and joy throughout the sunny four days. Freedom symbolised in Nature!
Giving daffodils at Easter time remains a long-standing tradition throughout many countries in Europe. As the flower is able to grow and flourish well throughout the months of March and April, it is a great present to cheer up any dark corner or alcove in your house. The Latin name for daffodil is narcissus, and there are at least 25 different natural forms of the flower. The daffodil was originally introduced to Britain by the Romans, who believed that the sap of the flower had healing powers. Centuries on, during the early 1600s, daffodils began to be planted in domestic gardens. Many still view the daffodil as symbol of the renewal of life, and celebrate Easter as the festival of new hope. Easter has been even more emotive for us this year, as it recalls the time a year ago, when the first lockdown was under way. As restaurants, gyms and non-essential shops are open, I think we can feel heartened to continue moving forwards with hope.
I hope you enjoyed the Easter weekend and were able to indulge in some delicious treats with loved ones. Here is a link to the scrumptious food enjoyed on Good Friday, pictured on the brand instagram account. Thank you for all your continued support and I hope you enjoy the range of foodie inspiration which continues daily. I am grateful to everyone who entered the give-away and look forward to continued opportunities in the future. As always, please don't hesitate to get in touch with new suggestions for content. It has been fantastic to enjoy some delicious food and drink outdoors in a variety of venues, including with delightful company in Media City recently, and I hope that you are able to relax and do the same with loved ones.
Below are some delicious Easter bronuts [a combination of a brownie and donut] which were very tasty indeed.
I continue to present a weekly show on Lymm Radio, broadcast every Sunday morning 6-8am for a show full of songs, guests, quotes and so much more...I have the delight to be presenting a show as part of the Bank Holiday weekend focusing on 80s music, fashion and icons of that time...I hope you are able to tune in on Sunday 2nd May and please do send your favourite memories, song requests from that time and any other thoughts...
Here is an inspiring quote from the 1986 American teen comedy film Ferris Bueller's Day Off, reminding us to appreciate everything in our lives:
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while; you could miss it"
Tune into the radio show via your smart speaker or via this link...a positive way to start the day! #localradio
I conclude this third blog with a quote by Moshe Dayan:
"Freedom is the oxygen of the soul"
Remember to keep breathing and enjoy the final days of April.
Happy April,
Sitara xxx
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