With July 4 upon us, I would like to take a commercial break from my introduction and touch on this day of celebration.

During the American Revolutionary War (1775-1782) against Britain, a Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 brave souls who seriously made themselves accountable for a better government. Previous delusions that Britain would come around and begin working with America were depleted, and those men who are known today as the Founding Fathers, took a monumentally impressionable stand by declaring their independence from what was known as the Mother Country.

Although hot dogs, watermelon, and fireworks are commonly associated with July 4, American history reveals a prodigious picture worth memorializing. Our country was at war. People were dying while trying to fight off Britain’s controlling authority steeped in a hierarchical decision making process. Even the future Founding Fathers argued while wearing wigs and suits in the summertime and trying to outline a new model of government.

The quest to design a supreme power vested in the American people, characterized by equality of rights and privileges, was daunting. There were no guidelines to follow and they were starting out as a slave owning country, hardly promising. But declare their right to independence they did; like declaring the right to gain freedom from a bad habit. A first step must be taken.

Ironically, July 4 is sometimes called Independence Day. But, America had no independence on July 4, 1776. The Revolutionary War raged until 1782. General George Washington and his amateur army fought mightily against the Monarch’s skilled army, sometimes only backed up with the ideal of freedom. Finally, after years of death, attacks, persistence, and ingenuity, British and Americans signed a preliminary Articles of Peace treaty. But, the drama did not end there. The post-revolutionary stage was no picnic either. It took approximately five more years to hammer out the U.S. Constitution. Absolutely, “Certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” requires ongoing thoughtfulness and engagement.

Poignantly, July 4, 1826, is also the death anniversary of Founding Fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Both these men not only bravely signed the Declaration of Independence, but they also became Presidents of the newborn United States. Despite the fact Adams and Jefferson were political opponents during their presidential years they became reunited in later years as they reflected on their shared accomplishments. The force of thought, to do what those men did, obviously impressed their minds, and the impression was expressed.

The force of spiritual thought required to declare independence from mortality is impressive. Our level of spirituality, which relies on divine Spirit, may appear to be in a neonatal stage, however, it is more powerful and permanent than relying on the stolid human mind or ego. Even if spiritual leaders appear to be in a disagreement, they are working for a common cause, the right to wellbeing, wisdom, and harmony. Although immortality has yet to be fully defined, spiritual impressions are being expressed. Please, comment on how spiritual thought is being expressed in your life. We can celebrate.