Freedom

 We need freedom on the insides.  That is, we need to be free of feelings controlling our actions.  Loneliness for instance is predominant in our society with all the focus on individualism instead of community, life lived through the cell phone and internet, and a sense of separation due to perceived differences.  We can be surrounded by people, so we are not alone, but we can “feel” lonely.  So it is an inside thing rather than something going on the outsides.  The spiritual path is a way to know the emotion is here but not to let it attach itself to our actions or responses to the outside world.  Without a spiritual depth loneliness can lead to violence, anger, depression that could otherwise be avoided.  I might have a feeling of loneliness, but I recognize it and know the solution for me.  Early morning meditation helps to set me on a good path to deal with the surprises that come up later in the day, be they on the insides or outsides.