THE SPIRITUAL PATH TO FREEDOM

By now, most of us have seen the horrific images of Afghans trying to flee as the Taliban seize control of Afghanistan — men and women packed into a US military cargo plane or desperate Afghans clinging to the outside of departing military planes. And who can forget that heart-wrenching image of an Afghan father handing his baby over the fence to an American soldier? In real-time, we’re watching a nation in panic and chaos. More than that, we’re watching a country fight for the most basic of all human rights — freedom! We are also seeing the lengths men and women will go to be free — to raise a family, make a living, walk the street in peace, and worship as they please, and speak as they like.

Of course, if history has taught us anything, pain and suffering will continue — and not everyone will find freedom, at least in the way we usually define it.

And while some may be tempted to shout about the unfairness of life (and even the meaninglessness of life), this approach will only keep you bitter and chained to the earth while also preventing you from exploring just how powerful and free we are.

Yes, we must fight for freedom wherever we can. We must use our votes, voices, and actions, but we must also realize that the real path to freedom (true freedom) is an individual and spiritual journey that lives in our hearts. Fortunately, we hold this…