Independence Day

I read in today's paper, the Parade magazine, all the comments on what July 4th meant to a variety of famous people. The answers all seemed to have to do with cookouts and fireworks. Only one out of six or seven mentioned patriotism. At church this morning, independence was linked to us being free from sin, through the gift of Christ, who offered himself for us. We did pause to remember the service and sacrifice made on our behalf by those serving in the military.

I am reading a book at the moment, which happens to be about a woman's spiritual journey, as she participates in a "walkabout" with Aboriginal people in Australia. What she describes about these people, and their traditions and ways and their ancient knowledge, I think best exemplifies what true independence is.

I'd have to say that the basic underlying principles are that of non-attachment and being one with nature. Now, I realize that the notion of non-attachment is typical of eastern religions, particularly Buddhism. But reading about the daily lives of these ancient people as they survived in the desert day after day, has taught me a whole new idea of "independence". One is truly independent when they are not attached to the thing. They are clearly and deeply attached to one another. They are attached to the experience, the feeling, the memory, but not the thing itself. For instance, they created or found in nature what they needed on a daily basis.

If they created musical instrument out of a gourd, and had a spontaneous concert in the desert, with rocks and sticks, and drums, they left the homemade instruments behind. It was the experience that was to be treasured, and the feelings it evoked, not the instruments themselves. They took the joy of the concert with them.

The minimal things they carry are for the benefit of the group; a sharp spear, herbs for medicine, animal skins for warmth when sleeping. Beyond that, the idea of possession is a very strange concept for them.

I got the feeling they were the most independent people I had ever heard of. They carried with them the necessary resources, such as knowledge of how to find water, what plants were edible and which ones not. They depended upon their internal guide and what nature provided. They were completely inter-dependent. They left behind no imprint of their presence.

As Americans, and 'westerners', we mark our independence by remembering how we freed ourselves from the rule of another nation. Countless citizens have fought and died to protect our borders, land, constitution, way of life. Those are all things to which we are deeply attached.

I like the idea of being attached to feelings and experiences and a community/tribe, but not to the material accumulations of our lives. It is an idea I want to ponder and try to understand more deeply.

And I am sure it does not preclude, nor diminish the message of Christ, the Spirit of Christ, who became completely unattached, even to his own life, for the benefit of others.