FREE TO BE
FREE TO BE By Mary Cook, M.A., R.A.S. WWW.MARYCOOKMA.COM
Our minds can enslave us in fear, judgment, pettiness, perfectionism and arrogance. Depression, anxiety and anger can attack our hearts. Defense mechanisms keep us dysfunctional and dominate our spirits. We are used to false beliefs and past pain dictating reality. We are used to the energy of fear in our bodies, and the symptoms of complacency or excessive willfulness. We are used to pretending that we are free while desperately hanging on to the very things that rob us of true choice.
The nature of all living organisms is to evolve. And yet realizing and actualizing continuous learning and growth is not an automatic occurrence in human beings. Habits generally control our lives. Mental chatter keeps our attention on past or future concerns, rather than the powerful present. Freedom from self-imposed constraints comes from fully focusing on the newness of now. Acceptance of reality and what we cannot change, gives us the power to respond proactively to immediate circumstances. Open mindedness and the willingness to learn anew from each moment, expands our consciousness. Freedom feels like a soft sensation in our body, warm tears of relief, loving encouragement, a gentle whisper of truth, a comforting embrace. When we stop over-empowering the shouts and screams of life and listen to the still, small voice within us, we can be free to be all that we were created to be.
We are so much more than we think ourselves to be. We walk in the midst of grace and glory, yet our minds see misery. Great success does not come from a list of accomplishments. It does not come from money, possessions or power. It comes from listening to our hearts, our instincts, and most of all, our God. It comes from loving ourselves with all of our defects. It comes when we lay down weapons and offer assistance. We must cease defending, denying, offending, and prejudging. Compassionate caring, dignity, grace, humility, and understanding-that is what we should be extending. In the end, all that matters is how well we have loved ourselves, others, this earth, and the Creator of it all. Our ignorance of this larger truth costs us untold suffering. It is the test of this life to meet pain with understanding, exchange fears for faith, and know that we are continually nurtured by what we cannot see. This is the greater reality. Mary Cook”
—Grace Lost and Found
About Mary
I have a Master's degree in psychology, and am a registered addiction specialist with over 35 years of clinical practice and 29 years of University teaching. My private practice provides telephone & office counseling, workshops, in-service training,...