On May 5, we celebrate that we live in freedom in the Netherlands. That we are liberated in 1945 by the German occupation in Europe and the Japanese occupation in Asia. That there is an end to the Second World War, filled with violence and oppression. May 5 is also a day to reflect on the importance of freedom and to realize that freedom is fragile. (source)
Last year I wrote an article (in Dutch) regarding this subject. After re-reading it, I decided to use a large part this year again, since I (unfortunately) would write a similar post today.
The brain-threads in my head never rest. On days like yesterday and today, they work overtime, twist in all kinds of directions. Again it occurred to me yesterday during the broadcast of Remembrance Day, I am so grateful to be able to choose freely, how I say goodbye to a loved one. That freedom was 65 years ago, for five years, deprived of millions of people.
At the same time feeling sad that so many decades later, it’s still happening.
The freedom we have, we abuse regularly. ‘Freedom of speech’ is so often used as an excuse, instead of thinking about values such as decency. We limit each other’s freedom with rules, at the same time necessary to prevent chaos. More often, unfortunately, we need these rules because we don’t seem to have the ability to honor each other’s standards. Race, gender, sexual orientation, religion may be reasons why you suddenly no longer consider to be human. I wonder if a lesbian with African ancestors, who believes in God is able to feel free today. May 5, 2016.
Last year I watched an episode of Perception, a television program I followed for weeks. I love to watch crime series, because I like to philosophize about – and try to better understand – why people do what they do. What motivates someone to a horrific deed? Is it, by definition, because someone is bad to the bone?
The episodes start and end with a neurologist-psychiatrist who teaches at a university about the functionality of our brain. Which part of the brains is responsible for behavior, feelings, etc. The end of the episode which I watched last year:
“Poets tell us to listen to our hearts. Nonsense. Seriously. Ever listened with a stethoscope? There are just valves that open and close, a kind of swamp pump. It feels like our emotions are in our hearts, but in reality, emotions are stored in the limbic system (in the brains).
At difficult decisions, we can choose between ’emotional’ and ‘rational’. Often emotion seems to win. Some of us act out due to greed, others are motivated by anger or revenge.
If your feelings are so destructive, is it better to hide them, prevent those feelings getting hot-blooded? Maybe.
But can we forever ignore our emotions? Will they, sooner or later, float to the top and force us to action? ” (source: Perception, season 3, episode 13.)
Amorousness, love, are emotions regulated at the same piece of skull. I can understand very well, I’m also an emotional person, how emotions can take over your thoughts and actions. After all, life is not that black and white as we might prefer.
I try, I really do try. To understand why someone doesn’t stop his emotions, before they turn into horrific actions.
I try to understand why we don’t do more to better comprehend our neighbors in this world and at the same time, when needed, end those horrific actions of our neighbors.
It’s so easy to write an article. Being free.
It’s so easy to judge, to condemn. Being free.
It’s so easy to pursue life in a few moments. Being free.
For me.
For so many people, even 71 years after one of the most horrific events in our history, still isn’t.
Freedom. It is NOT standard anymore. Yesterday I thanked those who sacrificed life for my freedom. Today I will do it again and cherish this given freedom.
Like every day.
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N.B. I’m a in Dutch thinking soul, living in Germany, therefore my English will not be perfect.
17 Responses
You´ve written a wonderful and very moving article here, Patty! It touched me very much and makes my throat go tight from emotion… and leaves my quite speechless, I´m afraid. But know that I really do appreciate you sharing this with us 🙂 Have a beautiful evening, my friend! xoxo
Thank you Sarah! I hope the weather in Berlin is also as nice as over here. Have a lovely weekend. Big hug!
The weather is just wonderful here, Patty! It´s warm and sunny – finally summer!! 🙂 Went yesterday for a big walk and enjoyed the sun 🙂 Wish you also a wonderful weekend! HUGE hug 😉 xoxo
Mooi geschreven!
Dank je! Fijn weekend, geniet van de zon 😉
Ga ik doen! Jij ook!
Zeker mooi ?
Dank je wel lief mens, X
Came for my Sunday visit to check on my dear friend, hope all is well. After reading this i feel really refreshed.I learned quite a couple of things as well as enjoyed my read. Cheers! – Cezane
Yes, everything is well. The sun is shining and am enjoying the gift of nature to bring us a few early summer-days 🙂 Added to that your lovely response, I’m sure I will be smiling all day 😉
Enjoy your Sunday dear friend. Big hug!
Feeling free is an incredible gift. As someone brought up in an oppressive environment, I know how hard it is to release the inner shackles.
The release part is my struggle throughout my life 😉 Have a beautiful lovely weekend, dear Gulara.
Nobody has control over their emotions, that’s the sad truth. If turned into love, it can make them do wonders. But if turned into anger or revenge, destructive things can happen.
Its been more than 70 years since the war ended, and yet somehow we are back to square one, fighting for the same rights, but for different people.
Perfectly put by you, “‘Freedom of speech’ is so often used as an excuse”
Thanks Harvard. Although religions are also to often used as an excuses to fight, in my opinion, I really feel that doesn’t mean you can say and/or write anything you want. The more people I speak, regardless their upbringing, culture, religion, etc. in a way we want all the same. I know it’s part of human nature to fight, if only for survival, but somehow their went something wrong during the evolution of our souls 😉
And again, you have correctly pointed out the loophole in our society. And it will take ages to heal the same society. Just pray it does not get interrupted with more chaos
Maybe we shouldn’t be afraid of chaos, since Yin and Yang can’t be without one of the other 😉
Looking forward to keep communicating with you, Harvard. Have a wonderful and lovely day and until we ‘meet’ again 🙂
Lets hope we do 🙂