Celebrating Sacred Freedoms
I am writing this Sacred Saturday blog from the town of Concord, Massachusetts- a place I have called home since moving to the United States many years ago. When I think of Concord, I think of ideals that, sadly, feel increasingly endangered these days: safety, acceptance, inclusiveness, curiosity, and the sacred power of open dialogue. This town, celebrated as the birthplace of America, isn’t just about the “shot heard round the world” for which it is known. It’s also about the revolutionary ideas that followed: a commitment to reflecting on freedom, engaging in dialogue, and valuing ideas—not just action. This was the home of Thoreau, who believed in the sanctity of nature and quiet reflection. It was where Emerson espoused individuality, self-reliance, noncomformity, and the transformative magic of exchanging thoughts. Concord is where the Alcotts championed intuition, advocated for women's rights and the abolition of slavery, and embraced the belief that people from all walks of life are innately good.
When I arrived here as an immigrant, coming from the Netherlands, a culture known for its deep-seated tolerance, I felt both out of place and entirely welcomed. Although I’ve always felt more Dutch than American, Concord welcomed my family with open arms and has become a second home to me. Concord is a place where I have roots and where I have found many of the values of my Dutch home reflected. In many ways, I have grown up here. While I have my criticisms of Concord, I deeply appreciate its traditions of reflective thinking and open dialogue—qualities that are integral to its history and identity.
But today, as we celebrate 250 years of this nation’s history, it’s hard not to notice how precarious these ideals feel. The freedom to speak our minds—one of the very principles this country was founded on—feels overshadowed by division and fear. The practice of holding space for one another, of welcoming different perspectives, seems like a forgotten art. No, that’s not quite right. I think it is more accurate to say that these ideals have, inexplicably, actually become a target for anger and disdain. And yet, it’s precisely in times like these, when so much is at stake, that we’re called to reclaim this sacred way of being wih one another.
Those who know me well know that I’m ever aware of the “both, and” or, to be more precise, the "but-and" in any circumstance. Here’s the "but-and" I’ve been holding this week: While it’s true that our current cultural climate feels fraught with division, it’s also true that there is a movement to resist it—a movement to honor dialogue, inclusion, and the power of connection. I see things unfolding in this country that feel uncomfortably reminiscent of the events that left lasting scars on my home country through World War II. But-and I also see a movement to reclaim what’s sacred: the right to be heard, the courage to listen, and the resilience to stand for what matters.
As I’ve watched the America I have come to know spiral into a dark place, I have been “collecting heros” by taking inventory of people who are courageously speaking their truth in a manner that is both dignified and powerful. These individuals and groups are showing me how I, too, can claim my power at a time when helplessness feels like a daily state. Just as the minutemen of Concord resisted oppression centuries ago, we’re being called to resist in our own way—not with muskets but with words, connection, and the sacred act of honest dialogue. This resistance doesn’t look like the battles of 1775. It’s quieter but no less revolutionary. It’s in the way we show up for each other, the way we listen, the way we speak with courage and kindness. It’s in choosing to create spaces where everyone’s humanity is recognized and respected.
And so, on this Sacred Saturday, I invite you to join me in practicing the sacred art of speaking your truth and hearing the voice of another; the sacred art of dialogue. Whether it’s a conversation you’ve been avoiding or simply taking time to listen deeply to someone else’s perspective, these acts of connection are powerful. They are acts of resilience. They are how we honor not just this country’s history but its potential for a better future.
Well-Being and the Art of "Both-And" in Times of Uncertainty
Well-being has never been about everything being perfect. It’s about learning to make space for “all the things.” The fear, the frustration, the uncertainty—yes, those belong. But so do the sparks of joy, the moments of connection, and the gifts that show up when we least expect them. For me, resilience is about allowing what is while finding ways to live in alignment with my values, my truth. It’s where I find my power—the kind of power no one else can define or take away.
Right now, my truth is complicated. There’s an unease in celebrating freedom while so many feel silenced, unseen, or unsafe. But there’s also gratitude—gratitude for the ideals this town and this country strive for, even when we fall short. Holding those feelings together, without trying to force them into competition, is where I find clarity. And it’s in the sacred spaces where I can share these feelings, this truth and hear those of another that I feel most buoyed. It is the gift of authentic dialogue—the space where we can hold both truths and navigate the messy, beautiful in-between together. This is a sacred thing worth mastering and protecting.
The Sacred Act of Dialogue
Concord’s history reminds us that, just like holding seemingly conflicting feelings, freedom was never meant to be easy. Two hundred fifty years ago, the founders of this nation didn’t have it all figured out. Their debates were messy, passionate, and flawed—because real dialogue always is. Yet they showed up, again and again, to wrestle with the questions that mattered. Their willingness to engage gave birth to a vision of freedom that, while imperfect, remains a foundation for what we aspire to today.
In a time when open dialogue that respects everyone’s voice feels rare and judgment seems to overshadow curiosity, I think we’re all feeling the loss. But we don’t have to accept it. We can choose to cultivate and nurture this critical ability and invite others to do the same. Dialogue is a practice, and like any powerful skill, it takes intention and effort. We can learn to create space for another person’s truth while holding on to our own. It is a balance that requires courage, respect, and a lot of grace but is so well worth the effort. The reward? the ability to create a truly sacred space where transformation and deep growth happen.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) offers a framework for this sacred practice. It invites us to ground our conversations in honesty, curiosity, and empathy. At its heart, NVC is about recognizing our shared humanity—a principle that feels both radical and desperately needed right now.
Here’s how to begin:
- Prepare Yourself: Before stepping into a difficult conversation, ground yourself. Take a deep breath, light a candle, or pause for a moment of stillness. Set an intention: “I want to approach this with curiosity and kindness.”
- Reflect with NVC:
- Observation: Focus on the facts without attaching judgment. “I’ve noticed we’ve been avoiding this topic.”
- Feelings: Acknowledge what’s coming up for you. “I feel nervous and unsure.”
- Needs: Get clear on what’s underneath those feelings. “I need connection and understanding.”
- Requests: Formulate a simple, specific ask. “Can we take turns sharing our thoughts without interrupting?”
- Engage with Openness: Start with respect and a willingness to listen. You might say: “This feels important to me, and I want us to approach it with care.”
- Stay Grounded: If things escalate, pause. Breathe. Come back to your intention. Remember, this isn’t about “winning”—it’s about creating space for both perspectives.
- Close with Gratitude: Even if the conversation feels unresolved, honor the effort. “Thank you for being willing to share this space with me.”
A Call to Sacred Action
This Sacred Saturday, I invite you to honor the sacredness of dialogue by reclaiming your voice and listening deeply to others. Whether it’s a difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding, an opportunity to sit quietly with your own thoughts, or a chance to approach someone else’s perspective with curiosity, these acts are powerful. They are ripples of resilience.
As we celebrate this 250th anniversary, let’s do more than commemorate the past. Let’s embody the ideals that made this country possible. Let’s show up for one another with courage, compassion, and a commitment to the sacred art of dialogue. Freedom has never meant the absence of struggle. It means choosing to show up, to engage, and to create space for one another—even when it’s hard. This weekend, may you find room for all the things in your life. May you honor what’s sacred to you, and may you carry that reverence into every connection you make. Here’s to the power of showing up, the gift of dialogue, and the freedom to live our truth. Thank you for practicing with me.
___________________
Begin Within
and align with the rhythm of nature and self.
0 Comments