Freedom

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.

———————
N.B. I’m a in Dutch thinking soul, living in Germany, therefore my English will not be perfect.