adam.benjaminbloom.net » freedom

happy independence day to my family and friends

adam — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:44:32 +0000

Independence has been a significant theme for me this year in many ways. So, I wanted to share a wish for all of you on Independence day…July 4, 2010.

More than anything, I wish you “mindful independence.” I wish you choose to pursue life, liberty, and happiness with vigor and resilience and patience…that this pursuit is your way of being. Cliche? Yes, of course. But think again…there is a reason people say, “think outside the box.” It isn’t a physical box…where is this box? It is the box in your head.

photo credit: qthomasbower

We are all oppressed in some way, shape, or form. If you’ve ever spoken with someone who has lived in a state of oppression where their “human rights” were materially or physically constricted, they value freedom unlike others. They value being able to wake up in the morning…every morning…in a free country…with the ability to do whatever they want to create their future…to work to serve their fellow man and make a profit from that service…they value the ability to pursue their goals and desires without limit…they value being able to love whomever they want and practice their beliefs without walls. The sense of this freedom is sacred…knowing this sense is sacred.

What I’ve learned this year is that independence starts inside your head. I’ve spoken to several people in 2010 who have chosen to put themselves in a cage inside their mind…because of their “situation” or what others are doing to them. When they put themselves in this state of thought, they oppress themselves by building these walls, chains, locks, and cages inside their head…they become their own pharoah…their own vader…their own “the man.”

For example, we all have the freedom to learn to ride a bicycle, but, as children, we get scared. We protect ourselves and say, “it’s not for me” or “I can’t do it” or “what if I hurt myself?” This self-imposed limit is a protection mechamism…and protection is a good thing…but sometimes we protect ourselves too much…we limit ourselves and our self growth. As adults, we do this…we oppress ourselves in our work and personal lives…and tell ourselves things that impose limits…tell ourselves that a relationship, or a job, or an abilitiy to learn is NOT there…and then tell ourselves “you cannot overcome it.” These are only lies we make our own truths.

So, on July 4, 2010, I wish you mindful independence. Know that you are free and that anything is a possibility…that your oppressors are largely inside your mind. These thoughts are not who you are…they are just thoughts. Thoughts could be focused on promoting the well-being of our fellow humans…as an essential element to the “pursuit of our own happiness.” Remember, your own well-being comes first…think independently…avoid oppressing yourself.

Be well. Free your mind. Enjoy the journey. To independence!!!

a story i am proud to share

adam — Sun, 16 May 2010 13:59:47 +0000

If you haven’t been exposed to it, this was an inspiring event in my life. I have been fortunate to share it with a few folks who appreciated it. Just search “zen surfing benjamin bloom” and it will show up. (Actually, it doesn’t any more, so here is a link http://www.benjaminbloom.net/zenandtheartofsurfingandworking.htm)

photo credit: joiseyshowaa

photo credit: Bryce Bradford

photo credit: ?serendipity

photo credit: eschipul

photo credit: nosha

photo credit: kimdokhac

celebrating freedom in the united states of america

adam — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 02:36:19 +0000

I’ve been wanting to write something the whole weekend and am glad that I waited. It’s not a show that I usually watch, but a group of people helped a marine who lost his leg in Iraq…they touched his life in a way that he could never repay…and did so with great humility and servitude. It was extremely touching.

It’s not every day that you get to experience life through someone else’s eyes…hearing what that marine went through and knowing that hundreds of thousands of people have payed a price for the United States of America fills me with a great sense of pride and thankfulness. Since the 1700s, men and women have given their lives, their limbs, and their senses so that every person that lives in the United States of America can enjoy certain freedoms. This may sound cliche, but it is only cliche if you take these freedoms for granted.

So, I am thankful to live in a country where you can work hard to serve your fellow human and enjoy the benefits of providing them with some product or service that makes their life better. I am thankful to live in a country where anyone who wants to work hard and apply their creativity, energy, and enthusiasm can enjoy a good livelihood. I am thankful for the family, friends, and colleagues that I am able to enjoy time with on this planet (for the time that I am here). I am thankful for the opportunities that I’ve had and will have in my life…for how I was raised…for the impact that I can have on the lives of others. I am thankful to have two legs and feet, two arms and hands, a working brain, all my senses, and good health. I am thankful for each and every challenge that I overcome. I am thankful that I can walk down the street or get in a car and go to a grocery store which contains more food than many people might see in a lifetime…or go to a restaurant that serves such delicious food that it was probably only served to kings at some point in history. I am thankful that I can play music or watch television and be entertained at any time I choose. I am thankful for all the inventors who have made life more comfortable, made it possible to learn and improve more, and make people’s lives better. I am thankful that I can enjoy the freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and, among others, the right to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It was with gratitude that I say, I am thankful for life…and I will keep in mind that not everyone has served their country…and not everyone who has served their country is here to be thankful that they have a life to live.

Thank You to everyone who has served this country. Happy Birthday America.