Another precious gem from Carrie. Lots of love, light, hugs and blessings. &, Uma   What is freedom? What is integrity? Is the display of your emotion, as real as it feels in the moment, an expression of freedom and integrity? Or is it actually freer and truer to come below that emotion and find the core truth within, in the place of peace and connection, and express that truth instead? Truth and connection feel very calm and objective. An emotional state stems from grasping desires and encroaching fears. And while this may seem to be the real you, this momentary blast of emotion, while it may seem truth and therefore what is needed in free expression, it is in fact a prison, a prison where the bars are desire and fear, and you live in a perpetual state of wishing and longing, loss and doubt, buffeted by regrets over the past and worries over the future, thinking always that happiness is just around the corner, if only you had this or that, if only you were this and others were that. And when the emotional blast is over, and you have left in your wake injured feelings and wounded relationships, does this feel like truth? Or is it simply more time in that prison, wishing things were other than they are? The truest self, the basis of integrity, is below emotion, in your heart of truth. It is in a place that does not injure others, but rather lifts everyone into knowledge and connection. It is in a place where every exchange is a teacher of the true self, reinforcing the knowledge that all are one after all. And a life of true freedom and integrity leaves hurtful things unsaid, lets emotional blasts pass by unexpressed. A life of freedom and integrity always reaches down through those emotions to the truth below. And the truth is always love. Love that is connection. Love that is a teacher. Love that is compassion and caring and truth. This is the core substance of freedom. It is not dishonest to feel a flash of anger and leave it unexpressed. When you can, go deep and find the heart of the matter in peace and understanding. See if you can find a new perspective that ennobles both you and the object of your temporary anger. And then, when you do speak, when you resolve the situation and relationship within the light of truth and love, speak the truth that comes from understanding and connection, speak the truth that teaches both you and others. Free yourself from the tyranny of emotion and walk instead in the light of truth and wisdom, found only in your deepest core of love and peace. www.carriehart.com