Freedom.
I chose this week’s theme with some trepidation if only to be challenged myself. The uncertainty of Covid-19 still looms, and civil unrest continues to make tragic headlines world-wide.
As many countries are still confined to “stay-at-home” orders, we may feel anything but free. States and counties continue to impose public safety guidelines for wearing masks and physical distancing, some still choosing to delay openings of their economies. Again, many feel our freedoms are impinged upon as this process unfolds.
If you have followed this blog for any length of time you know that I post a positive perspective on play and leisure using photography to underscore my thoughts. We can hear and read the bad news all day long, and I respect fellow bloggers who share their opinions on world events.
While I do not want this post to be another speculative essay on the state of our world, I want to remind us all that as humans, we do enjoy many freedoms.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the five basic freedoms including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government.
I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would be also free.
Rosa Parks
As we in the US begin to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, let us take a moment to celebrate our freedoms.
The freedom for the government to set aside National Parks and other public lands for all to enjoy. Our freedom to travel to and enjoy these public lands.
The freedom to safely enjoy fireworks in our neighborhoods (where allowed). Please be “safe and sane!”
The freedom to enjoy and appreciate historical monuments.
The freedom to read and to be educated.
The freedom to worship.
The freedom to mourn our fallen heroes who sacrificed for our country so that we may be FREE.
More images that demonstrate freedom.
There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.
Nelson Mandela
What does freedom look like to you? Share your view of freedom with your photos, creative ideas, stories, poetry, and music. I appreciate you keeping it positive this week.
July themes are available on my Sunday Stills Photography Page.
© 2020 Copyright-All rights reserved-secondwindleisure.com
Second Wind Leisure Perspectives 
What a brave topic you chose! The word freedom is thrown around lately by many people that confuse it with entitlement. Thank you for this beautiful and positive perspective on freedom! I am not sure if I will be able to add to it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this. So right you are about the confusion by many about its meaning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful freedom images, Terri. Even with things as they are we still have a lot to be thankful for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most definitely, Cathy, thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice to see a positive post Terri – enjoy the holiday. You’re right, we have much to be thankful for as we work to address our issues
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tina. We have enough stress in our lives! Let’s just be grateful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great freedom photos Terri. Yosemite National Park looks awesome!
LikeLike
It really is, Stevie! I need to go back soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice set of images, Terri. I hope you’re able to get out and enjoy some of those places and activities. There is much to appreciate about the wealth of freedoms in this country. I hope people don’t lose sight of that. I’ve gone for a different take on the theme: https://grahamsisland.com/2020/06/28/great-frigatebirds-on-the-wing/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Graham and thank you for the theme idea! We do indeed have much freedom in the US and I am grateful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful images, Terri. I think we tend to forget how blessed we are to live in countries that allow us the freedom to live our lives the way we wish.
Happy Fourth of July to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jacquie! We are blessed indeed. Enjoy your Independence day too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful images of freedom Terri- here’s my perspective
https://dailymusing57.com/2020/06/28/sunday-stills-let-freedom-ring/
LikeLike
Freedom to read! One of my personal favorites. 🙂
Here’s my entry: http://frostonthemoosedung.com/sunday-stills-freedom
Have a wonderful week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great shots, such a great prompt all the types of freedom we enjoy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did wonder where to go with freedom too Terri, given the state of things but chose a similar vein to you but from a personal perspective here in Australia. I agree with your sentiments about presenting a positive perspective wherever possible. Great selection of photos and I love that quote by Rosa Parks. Thanks for another interesting prompt this week and take care xx
Here is my post: https://debs-world.com/2020/06/28/there-is-freedom-within-there-is-freedom-without-%f0%9f%8e%b6/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Debbie! I always appreciate your participation in Sunday Stills and sharing your multiple talents.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great to be involved when I can Terri! Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Terri, your photos and captions are as always lovely and thought provoking,
I do not feel we are under any lack of freedom as much as we are under siege from a virus we little understand and have no reliable defense to protect ourselves. As long as there is more than one person in the world, there will always be laws to help effect equality, opportunity, and safety for the entire population.
We are not free to enter any store or business unless it’s open.
We are not free to help ourselves to money from a bank, food from a grocery, species from a nature preserve, or the identity of another person. Though we are permitted to defend ourselves, we are not free to attack another person. Anyone who does any of these activities is subject to arrest and prosecution as a criminal.
We are not free to selfishly spread a highly dangerous and contagious disease that is unfortunately spread by human contact. Until there is a safe vaccine, we must respect that indulging in selfish and ordinary pursuits endangers the rest of the community.
Freedom comes at cost. It always has. Choosing to put ourselves in danger is one thing. Choosing to put others in danger is immoral and often illegal.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Shari.
LikeLiked by 1 person
H, Terri – These are such great thoughts (and shots) on Freedom. Thank you for nudging us (positively) with this thought-provoking topic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Donna. Posts like this can be tricky for me but I enjoy a challenge.
LikeLike
What a wonderful freedom-loving post. You hit all of my high points, Terri. RT.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked it, Jacqui! Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Terri,
Perfect post for this week! We just visited Mt. Rushmore and I felt honored to be in the company of the men in the carvings. Our country is a mess right now…but there’s still a long line of those wanting in. Take it from someone who spent 24 years in the Army–freedom isn’t free.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Joe, and perfectly articulated. Changing statues, monuments and other icons will not change history. Thank you for you service and sacrifice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice, positive post, Terri. I like what one commenter said about some people confusing freedom with entitlement. Despite the current situation, we have a lot to be grateful for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Janis. I liked that comment, too and it is right on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
For me, freedom came on December 21st, 2005, when the UK allowed same-sex couples to marry, Terri. It was a long and hard fight to get that freedom, but it was an incredible moment when it happened. Compared to many others, I only played a small part in that fight for freedom. Two months later, I married my partner who I had been with for 12 years at the time. Fourteen years on, many others have joined us in freedom.
LikeLiked by 2 people
A wonderful way to measure freedom, Hugh! That cake looks yummy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You captured the sense of freedom really well in your post, Terri. As you know from our chosen lifestyle, freedom is one of the most important things we cherish. It doesn’t always come easy and it isn’t always there, but we – hopefully all of us, respectful human beings – will manage to savor it again soon. And, hopefully, those National Parks and parts of the First Amendment will not be taken away from us by a certain person in charge. Happy Fourth of July, next weekend!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Liesbet! So many fought hard for our freedoms. I admire your lifestyle and your choices!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautifully written post, Terri reminding us of what we can do rather than what we can’t do. Our church started having outdoor services on May 26 with no ill effects. It is early enough that it has been very comfortable. We are lucky to live in such a place with such rich leisure resources. Thanks for always looking for the positive. It is refreshing. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thank you, Marsha! These topics get tricky and I try to avoid online stress whenever possible. Glad to hear you have a cool place to sleep!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You handled it well from my perspective. I don’t pretend to fully understand things from any other viewpoints than my own, no matter how I try. We all vary, not just by race, but by age, location, and numerous other demographics. I think what you posted is helpful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful reminder of al the freedoms that we do have as we ready to commemorate our nation’s independence. Excellent imagery, as always. I especially love the fireworks photo and would like to see that Yosemite entrance in person someday. Have a wonderful holiday!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Lisa! Sadly. we are going to see way too many of those types of fireworks this year. The “safe and sane” ones are fine, it’s the illegal ones that go off nightly for a week and scare my dogs, and keep us awake until 2am! Your jaw would drop at the sight of the Tioga Pass entrance to the high country of Yosemite! Fingers crossed it will be easier to enter the park in 2021! Enjoy your “holiday” wherever you may be!
LikeLiked by 1 person
NICE POST!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING..
https://www.a-rrajani.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
An awesome post. I’m touched by your photos and words, Terri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Amy! Enjoy your Independence day!
LikeLike