July-Freedom

“Freedom is the last best hope of earth”

Abraham Lincoln

Freedom is a word that brings several images to mind for me. I imagine our flag rippling in the breeze, an eagle soaring overhead, butterflies fluttering about and an open road with gently rolling hills. Before motherhood, one of my dreams was to become a flight nurse which I achieved. I loved the feeling of caring for very critical patients as I was soaring above cities and countryside, connecting with the sky and stars above. I seemed to connect flying with feeling free. To cope with the intense stress of this job, on days off, I danced. When I danced I became one with the music, lost in a flow state, where time stood still. Freedom was found on the dance floor!

The dream I have for the second half of my life is to empower others by teaching them how to be free by leading a healthier life. As a holistic nurse, wellness coach, naturopath and reiki master, I use a 12 dimensional model called the Wellness Inventory, a life balance, self-exploration tool that brings new awareness and knowledge to my client’s lives. Below are some ways to explore what freedom means to us, based on the “dimensions of wellness.” As we celebrate our country’s “collective” freedom this month, let’s reflect on our own wellness journey as it relates to “personal” freedom:

1) Self-Responsibility and Self Love – How can we embrace, connect and set our inner child free? How can we be gentler and more compassionate with ourselves? How can we acknowledge our limits and stop being “too free”? How can we “free up” time?

2) Breathing – How can we be “more free” in the way we breath? Can we breathe deeper, slower and let go by using our breath?

3) Sensing – How can we use our senses to feel “more free”? When we step outside can we pause, take a deep breath and mindfully connect to our surroundings? The power of paying attention and noticing beauty in our daily lives can be liberating if we take the time to notice.

4) Eating – What does freedom have to do with eating for us? Sometimes we have too much freedom and make poor choices. How can we “free up” eating patterns that are not beneficial?

5) Moving – How can we be “more free” through movement? Moving opens up space and allows blocked energy to express itself.

6) Feeling – What emotions are “chaining us down”. What emotions can we release so we feel “more free”?

7) Thinking – How can we liberate our thought patterns so we can be all we are meant to be. How can we “free up” our attitudes, so we are not tied down by old beliefs? How can we find more quiet time?

8)  Playing/Working – What does playing have to do with freedom? (Consider the image of children at play) How can we “free up” our busy calendars to allow more time and space to “play”, work on a hobby, or do something fun for us).

9) Communicating – Can we pay more attention to the words we use when we talk to ourselves? (Do our words allow us to feel “free” or “harsh”). Notice the way we talk to others? Do our words restrict or liberate other people?

10) Intimacy – Intimacy involves our connection and love for ourselves and others.  Do we give ourselves and others space to be our/their own person? Do we have firm boundaries, or do we get too involved in other people’s lives? How can we feel more united to people in our lives, in this country, on the earth?

11) Finding Meaning – How can we rise above the things that are holding us back? What does freedom have to do with our passion, purpose and vision?  How does freedom relate to making a difference for others? What is holding us back from fulfilling our dreams? What kind of legacy are we creating?

12) Transcending – How can we connect with Spirit and nurture our Soul on a daily basis? What does freedom have to do with spirituality for us?  As we celebrate freedom, may we respect and honor our own needs as we enjoy our family and friends!!

Buddy Ann Ross ND, MS, BSN, RN, HNB-BC

Holistic Wellness Buddy LLC

Integrative Nurse Consultant

Traditional Naturopath

Certified Wellness Inventory Coach

Reiki Master/Teacher

www.holisticwellnessbuddy.com

holisticwellbud@aol.com

216-577-8324