Freedom

The subject of freedom has arisen in response to a blog on monogamy and marriage.
OSHO's POV on Marriage/ Freedom
The concept that marriage in fact restricts (and in effect denies) freedom(s).
More irony of our country.
We are one of the only countries that stands and fights for freedom. All freedoms: speech, carrying firearms, religion, a vote, etc. We built a declaration signed by all the important dudes of the time, and endorsed by all the other important dudes of the time, yet when it comes down to personal satisfaction, we don't seem to grasp this same concept.
We can fight for freedom as a country, but not as a couple?
Really?
This explains the breakdown in politics between groups, but it would seem reasonable if we can stand with a group of people who, in general maintain the same ideals for a lifetime (and yes there are exceptions to every rule), that we could maintain the same ideals and grow together with another person who in theory is the one person in life that has your back...for a lifetime.

I propose:
Freedom is a state of mind. No one holds you captive but yourself.
We let external things blind the reality of self.
and let others hold us back with their perceptions and restraints...

A partnership on any level should be the catalyst for developing ideas, and moving forward in this lifetime, not the opposite.
I believe what this fellow was implying was strictly physical. Restricting freedoms, simply implying the freedom to screw other women at will. Well, yes, if that is the case - Don't get married. But if freedom stands for something far more intelligent and fulfilling, and life encompassing, how can you possibly attain a greater freedom tan with those who are on your team? Whether it be a wife, or business partner, or country of people who hold the same truths and hold you accountable for being who you said when you signed up; "I will not cheat you in this business deal", "I will not steal money from you", "I will not deny you a vote in our best interests", "I will not put my penis in other women".
Seems simple to me.
All contracts are binding.
Freedom is a concept that most people do not take responsibility for, for themselves.
Freedom is not something anyone else can take from you.
Freedom is something you challenge yourself to maintain, and encourage others to seek.

It really boils right back down to integrity.

Amazing summer experience

I live for summer. The smell of the beach. The sound of the ocean. The freedom of a few weeks, kidless and fancy-free. The concept of no-school. The 3 month period where no one expects anything. Even as an adult, I feel - this is the time I get to be me - 100%.
I have been planning a trip abroad, but took an opportunity to spend some time time with someone I have been wanting to get to spend personal/ one-on-one time with. A road trip - old school.

My trip started in Moab and traversed the desert National Parks via Bryce Canyon and Zion. This portion of the trip included camping, which is not my ideal of vacation, but I am open to trying new things so I jumped aboard. I camped for a few days. I took in the sights of the beautiful National Parks. I readied myself for Las Vegas which is my playground for most summers (at least one week).
Las Vegas is one of the few places in this country where you can truly let yourself go and its considered part of what's expected. Part of the ease of Vegas is not having to be accountable for your actions. Gamble, party and just rock on!
I realized this trip that the camping portion was the most relaxing part because I did not have to show up and be a rock star...for once. I could hike and be quiet and just let someone else take the reigns for once.
It's exhausting to be "on" all the time and this is the first time I realized that I don't want to be on - sometimes I just want to chill... and this week I got to chill.
And my brother happened to have a baby while I was on vacation...so I got to be an aunt... How hot is that?