Independence Day is here, and for many Americans right now, this holiday brings deep unease about the current state of the union. We see widening divisions, creeping authoritarianism, and the corrosion of truth in public discourse. For some, July 4th can feel hollow or even hypocritical when their country is failing to reflect the values they hold dear.
But this holiday is not just about what the government is doing today. It’s about what we still believe is possible. The Declaration of Independence was an aspirational document—an imperfect but bold statement of values like liberty, dignity, equality, and self-determination. We honor those values not by ignoring our country’s problems, but by recommitting ourselves to the work of embodying and protecting them in our own lives.
This practice is for anyone who feels disoriented, disillusioned, or disheartened by the state of the nation. It’s an invitation to reclaim the day as a moment of personal and spiritual alignment with the values you most cherish—not the fireworks or flags, but the freedom to live by conscience, the right to seek justice, and the deep knowing that the American spirit of independence begins within each of us.
The Practice: Grounding in True Independence
1. Find a quiet place.
Outdoors if possible. A backyard, park, or rooftop is ideal. If indoors, open a window and let natural light in. Sit comfortably and take a few slow, full breaths.
2. Reflect on what freedom means to you.
Ask yourself:
- What does true independence feel like in my body, mind, and spirit?
- When have I felt most free in my life?
- What values do I associate with freedom—personally and collectively?
You might jot down a few words or phrases that come to mind. Let them be personal and sincere.
3. Acknowledge the dissonance.
Bring to mind what’s troubling you about the state of the country. Be honest—without spiraling. Acknowledge your grief, anger, or confusion. These are signs of your care.
Now ask:
- What ideals are being violated that matter so much to me?
- What part of my own conscience is awakened by this dissonance?
Take a few breaths to sit with the discomfort. You are not alone.
4. Recenter on your guiding values.
Place your hand on your heart or center. Say silently (or aloud):
Even when the world feels out of alignment, I can choose to stand for what is true in me.
Call to mind the values you named earlier. See them not as lofty abstractions, but as living principles you embody.
5. Commit to one small act.
Ask yourself:
- What is one way I can live more fully into these values this week?
- What does it look like to be a steward of freedom—not in theory, but in relationship, community, or action?
This might be a conversation, a vote, a protest, a donation, or a moment of courage in everyday life. No act is too small.
6. Close with gratitude.
Name one thing—just one—you are grateful for in your life today. Let it be simple and honest. Let it remind you that even in turmoil, beauty and integrity still live here.
Why It Matters:
The spirit of July 4th doesn’t belong to any political party or national myth. It belongs to the people who keep choosing conscience over comfort, courage over apathy, and unity over despair. When we reconnect with what matters most to us, we help keep the flame of freedom alive—not just for ourselves, but for the world around us.
Happy Independence Day. May your heart stay true to what sets it free.
