I hope you are doing well. As I watch the news every day, so many negative images and stories surround me. It could be depressing if I let it. Know that you have the power to decide how you want to feel and react. Don't let your environment close in on you and control you. Don't be trapped by your environment. Take charge of your life and your surroundings.

To me, one of the most perfect pictures of freedom is nature in the wild. Birds are free to fly wherever their instincts take them, to the highest mountain or to the water's edge. Bears, rabbits, deer, creatures of all names and sizes freely roam the land, each finding their food and shelter in their own individual way. Animals freely express their unique individuality. No animal tries to be like another. Mountain lions don't try to live like deer or eat their food. Rabbits don't try to hibernate like bears. All animals take their individuality for granted, "trusting" that nature provides everything necessary to fulfill their every need.

And the elements of nature are also free and joyous, expressing and contributing their gifts abundantly. The sun shines faithfully and warmly no matter what happens on the planet below. Rivers flow through their native surroundings bringing food for life. And beauty is everywhere. The clouds, winds, rainbows, butterflies, light filtered through the forest trees - all come together in a beautiful picture of harmony.

You are part of this all! Freedom, beauty, and originality for you is exactly the same as for nature's beings and elements. You are an original! An individual, unique and special. You have your own talents and abilities, and you don't have to imitate anyone else, or want what they have. You have your own special purpose. To discover your Silent Master is to realize that you have the power to create your own freedom. Living free means you put your freedom into action. You are the one in charge of the direction of your life. You don't let life happen to you. You don't let yourself be a victim.

Here on earth you live with many other people in many other nations. Since you can't control everything that happens in the world, freedom means that you control how you respond to the world. You control who you are, what you think and how you feel, and that shapes everything you experience. Freedom means you express your power to realize your goals and desires, so that nothing can take away your natural joy to be alive.

With all my love, from my heart to yours,