That which is free...

So, what is the world's most liked word? Free. Yes indeed. The word "free". It has different shades to it. The most trivial one is the most popular one. Go to any part of the world. Speak any language. And wear any outfit. People understand this word with the same range of emotion. Free to do whatever you want. Free to be as you want. Free time. Free goodies. Free lunch. Uncle Scrooge swears by it. The good. The bad. The ugly. All like it. I do. And I know that you do too. Now, just something to reflect upon...Do we really cherish and treasure that which is free??

So why does this word win the Miss Congeniality award? Let us first think on the more material aspects. Free food, free goodies etc. Very easy to explain to myself. And understand as well. The first reason that comes to the mind is this. Everyone is a child at heart. No matter how old you are. And someone brings you a gift, your eyes gleam with joy. So, anything that is free, it is like a gift from someone to you. And you are happy. Second reason. Since times unknown, man has known this thing called barter. So, something free goes against the norm. And everyone likes being a rebel. Dont know why this happens. But true. Third reason. "Hey, if I am just getting to keep it, then why not?" attitude. Need say anymore?? Moving onto the more serious and interesting aspects of the word "free". There is an innate human desire to act in a certain way. Live as one feels. Say those things. Believe in different ideals. We give these simple things more sophisticated terms. Sort of a glossy finish. Freedom of speech. Freedom of religion. Freedom of action. Freedom of choice. As in you choose what is right for you. In short, freedom to be and live as you feel. Ofcourse, with an underlying assumption that your freedom does not in any way cloud that of anyone else. Why do we like this word for these things? Only one reason. And it is so strong that it does not need any other. And it is this. It affirms our ability to lead a life full of happiness and self content....

In life, the most wonderful things are the ones which are "free". In a special way. The birds. The butterflies. The golden sunrays. The soothing breeze. The pleasant shade of the magnolia tree on a hot Sunday afternoon. Even "more beautiful" are these. A thought that is free of parochialism. A will that is free of deceit. A decision that is free of ignorance. A situation that is free of dilemma. A resolve that is free of procrastination. A beginning that is free of impatience. An end that is free of pride. A speech that is free of malice. An action that is free of expectations. A responsibility that is free of worldly compulsions. A judgement that is free of prejudice. A sense of hope that is free of limits. A relationship that is free of restrictions. A world that is free of hatred. A way of life that is free of intolerance. A memory that is free of pain. A mind that is free of fear. And a heart which loves freely....