In 1972 Marlo Thomas and a group of friend brought forth a concept of empowerment, love and acceptance of each other. A concept many are still struggling to understand.
Free to be you and me – what if we never had to worry about others judging us, abusing us or teasing us. What if we could wake up in the morning and know that we could be and feel and express that which is within us, and know that although others may not understand us completely they allow us to be because that makes us happy.
What if from the moment you were born, each child was loved unconditionally, and allowed to express their emotions, thoughts and desires and be heard. What if all living things had a home, food and loving support. Then they would not live in fear, hurt and despair.
I am as I write this being reminded of a dog and how like a small child even when abused they keep coming back to their owner, like a child does with their parent who abuses them. They come with heads down and tail between their legs, hoping that this time it will be different. For this person is supposed to care for them and provide for them.
I now see a child who is running to be with their friend, one is black and the other white. They don’t see any difference. There is the image of the mother cat taking in babies of other species and nursing them when abandoned. The innocent allow for all because their hearts are pure and their hearts guide their minds.
If we allow for others to be different, because we are each different, then everyone would be free to express the beauty of their soul without fear. How FREE if we didn’t have to hide any part of ourselves from another.
I see the image of the circle of children of the Xhosa culture from a post on facebook. An anthropoligist placed a basket of fruit near a tree and told the children whomever got there first won all the fruit. They did not run separatly to do so but said the word “Ubuntu” I Am because we are. There response being how can one of us be happy when the others are sad.
We can work together, and be together freely in unity if we let down the learned walls of separation, fear of failure, feelings of unworthiness, fear of judgment, because we are taught that we cannot be different. Thus we learn to be the one who runs to the tree to get the fruit before the others, to be judged worthy, and not be less than anyone else.
How much more joyful, when everyone has that piece of fruit and can enjoy the sweetness together. When we can run together in the race and be the best we can be and be happy for each others accomplishment. How wonderful when someone asks us not where do you live, and what do you do, and how much money do you make, but asks how is life, what do you enjoy doing, do you feel happy?
My husband and I have been married for 35 years. In the early years we were asked repeatedly if when we were going to have children. It is something people ask about not knowing that perhaps a couple is unable or has made the choice not to have children. It can get quite ackward depending on your response. For one must grow up, get a good job, marry, have children, buy a home etc. If you are different ones don’t know how to interact with you. We have learned over the years to just answer the question, no we don’t have any children and move on to another question without explanation.
Everyone’s life, desires, hopes and dreams should be allowed to develop naturally and not based upon the expectations of others or society. If one feels loved and secure from birth, and able to be and express themselves as an individual we may find less violence, fear, hatred and anger in the world.
I found as a spiritual being who discovered my belief outside of the main religious structure, that ones can tend to look at you differently. It was quite ackward at times, when asked what church or religions I belong to, and when I would share that I was not affiliated with an organized religion, I was viewed suspiciously.
I learned to be quiet and cautious about my sharing, and the joy my faith has brought to me. It took a leap for me to finally feel FREE TO BE.
I am thankful that over 50 years ago Marlo Thomas started this process and hopefully one day soon it will be the norm and not the exception. Marlo and her father Danny Thomas have brought heart and freedom into their work and into the lives of many. Danny Thomas being a wonderful actor and the founder of St Judes Childrens Research Hospital and his work continued by Marlo an actress and Caring human being. I thank them for their service to humanity and the difference they have made in the lives of many.
FREE TO BE – YOU AND ME
Namaste
Moriah Elohim