The One Freedom No One Can Ever Take from You

This is my last blog as Spiritual Life Center’s Senior Minister.

I think back to my introduction to Unity and the first book I read that covered its basic principles – Lessons in Truth by H. Emilie Cady. I particularly recall the first chapter, in which Cady poses a question to the reader, "Bondage or Liberty, Which?" At the time, I believed I was held captive by circumstances and things I had done in my life.

These words by Emilie Cady helped liberate me from my self-imposed prison:

“We have believed that we were helped and comforted by others, that we received joy from outside circumstances and surroundings; but it is not so. All joy and strength and good spring up from a fountain within one's being.”

Cady's words stuck with me. They let me know that our greatest freedom isn't based on circumstances, politics, or economics, but on spiritual truth.

Every July 4th, Americans celebrate the birth of a nation founded on bold ideals: liberty, independence, and self-determination. But behind the fireworks and parades lies a deeper truth that many overlook. Independence isn’t just a historical moment - it’s a spiritual principle. And it’s available to every person, regardless of their circumstances.

The Hidden Bondage Most People Don’t See

While America had to break free from British rule to shape its destiny, we too are often called to break free - not from a foreign king, but from the tyranny of our past, our fears, and our unconscious reactions.

We often think we’re making choices. But in truth, many of us are simply reacting—living on autopilot, enslaved by old beliefs, past wounds, or cultural mantras that tell us life is hard, we can't trust people, and nothing ever changes.

Here’s the spiritual truth: Without awareness, there is no real choice. And without choice, there is no freedom.

The Dalai Lama’s Secret to Joy

The Dalai Lama once stood before a group of Western reporters. One journalist asked a striking question:

“Your people have endured terrible atrocities, and yet you radiate peace and joy. Meanwhile, in the West, where we have so much, we’re often anxious, angry, and depressed. Why?”

The Dalai Lama replied with two simple words: “Wrong mantra.”

He explained that the suffering many experience in the West isn't due to a lack of resources, but rather from a constant mental loop of scarcity, fear, and hopelessness. The mantras we unknowingly repeat - 'It’s too hard.' 'There’s not enough.' 'It’s impossible.' - become the soundtrack of our lives.

In contrast, he had trained his attention. Rather than obsess over pain, he chose to anchor his thoughts in the presence of compassion, resilience, and spiritual truth. Not denial - choice.

The Spiritual Freedom You Always Have

What we consistently focus on becomes the soil in which our reality grows. When we direct our awareness toward higher truths—toward peace, divine possibility, and inner power—we notice something remarkable. We stop reacting and start responding from a deeper place within.

Instead of lashing out, we pause and pray.

Instead of spiraling in fear, we center in faith.

Instead of blaming, we seek insight.

It might not happen all at once, but eventually, we look back and say, 'I responded differently. I chose differently.'

That is the beginning of true liberation. That is the freedom no one can take away: the freedom to decide where your attention goes, and who you choose to be.

So, What’s Your Mantra?

Every time we celebrate Independence Day, celebrate more than a nation’s freedom. Celebrate your own.

Because when you reclaim your power to choose - how to see, how to speak, how to respond - you awaken the one freedom that lasts beyond any circumstance.

And that, my friend, is spiritual independence.

Go forth in Peace, in Blessings and Abundant Joy,

James