Reflecting on our 250 Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

In the Declaration of Independence, our founders planted seeds that would grow beyond what they could have imagined. The meaning of equal rights would expand to challenge slavery, include women, and recognize that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness also embrace the freedom of authentic self-expression beyond traditional definitions of male and female.

On this 250^th anniversary of our founding, it is vital to explore how the meaning of “freedom” has evolved over time. In a democracy, freedom means equal access to happiness, a meaningful life, and the spiritual exploration we are each entitled to pursue. Our equality rests in the truth that we, like all Creation, come from the same star-stuff.

I have become keenly aware that much of the history I learned decades ago was incomplete or untrue. It saddens me to see us turning away from historical truth once again. Still, I remain proud to be an American, inspired by the courage of our forefathers and grateful for the deeper understanding now available to me.

It’s an astounding  history we hold – some of  it profound in what was involved to create this land called America – some of it not – in the reality of slavery – in the ongoing reality of racism, the purposeful intent to erase indigenous cultures, and the challenge of accepting the freedom of all of us to love as we authentically feel.

At the heart of this understanding, one truth remains: I treasure being born American, and I also treasure being a citizen of the Earth. My roots are spiritual, connecting me to all of creation. I believe in a simpler life, though that is challenging in today’s world. I am here to live from a spirit of love and forgiveness, building bridges of compassion and understanding, not walls. hat, I believe, are the seeds planted by our forefathers that encompass far more than they realized at the time.

Love, Charles