Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated differently and on difference dates around the world. There are fun traditions and ways to take this holiday deeper as shared by holiday and spirituality expert Nina Amir. Here are just some of the insights she shared on a recent Independence Day interview including tips she shared on how to utilize this day to transform your life personally each year to a new level!

160 countries celebrate on different days and months. The least popular month is February with only 6 countries celebrating. May has just 9 countries celebrating their independence. The most popular month is September with 23 and July with 22 countries and August has 19 countries celebrating their independence.

Pretty much this is the case. It's an annual celebration commemorating the anniversary of a nation's assumption of intendance and statehood usually comes after they cease to be part of a colony or part of another state. It's usually a national holiday in most countries and sometimes it is called National Day too. It's all about celebrating the countries history. Often hard fort battles have occurred for the countries freedom.

Most are universal even though celebrated for different historical reasons and on different months and days. There are universal elements such as parades, fire works, bands and bbq's which are most common during celebrations.

Some countries climb greased palm trees to get prizes or engage in competitive kite flying. Many sing songs especially an independence song or sing the national anthem. Chilean's and Greek's also love to sing national songs on this day. Staging plays are also popular in some countries especially re-enacting the events that lead up to their countries freedom.

July 4 in USA is renowned for its huge fire works. Gatlinburg Tennessee offer the first July 4th midnight independence parade every year as it kicks off exactly when the clock strikes July 4th. In New York in Brooklyn you can see the hot dog eating contest that started in 1916 on July 4th. The Provo Utah hold the largest freedom festival and parade and longest celebrations in the USA which starts in March and ends on the 4th July with the biggest fireworks display in the nation.

In France July 14th is Bastille Day - fire fighters organize dance parties and the President can pardon prisoners on this day. French cyclists are cycling in the tour de France and French cyclists will try to stage the victory on that day for their land.

In Mexico September 16th celebrations begin on September 15th at 11pm. Rhodeos, bull fights and parades occur on 16th. The month of their nation is declared in September and all the restaurants serve traditional Mexican foods during this month.

Peruvian's play folk and Creole music in public places and parks. July 28th on sunrise 21 cannons are fired on the raising of their flag. Then bull fighting, cock fighting and Peruvian passo horse displays.

In Australia on Australia Day it celebrates the establishment of the first British settlement on January 26, 1788. Ferry race, surfing race and a tall ship race is held in Sydney and a unique fire works display in Perth is held.

In India August 15th is the end of British Colonial rule in 1947. A flag hoisted ceremony is held in schools and in individual homes. Throughout the country a new tradition of flying kites has emerged and is quite competitive.

Indonesian's drape their city in red and white and hold non competitive sports like sack races and palm climbing trees greased with clay and oil. Prizes such as a bike or TV is hung from the tree!

You have a knack for taking almost any holiday and making it more meaningful...making it personal and deep for each individual person, but is there a way for people all over the world - whether they celebrate Independence Day in their country or not - to celebrate Independence day in a meaningful manner?

Yes, first and think about the people that fought for that independence and freedom that we enjoy today. Remember those that have died or are currently fighting for independence today. Think about what our countries mean for us. What does it mean for example to be Australian, American or English? What are the characteristics that go with your country? Are you proud of them? Do you emulate them and what benefit does the country you live in afford you and do you appreciate it and why do you like living in your country? What does your country mean to you and the greater community and what does it stand for? It's a great day to be grateful for your country and to discuss your country's characteristics. Then ask yourself are you typical and are you a shinning example or not and how can you become one.

Write out a page of appreciations for your country. Don't focus on anything bad or negative only the positive traits you can appreciate. You are creating positive energy. Now think about what you can improve in your country. What could you commit to improving? Joblessness, homelessness etc. Do something either with money or time or both. Commit to helping others so they can be independent without needing charity.

So to give this holiday personal and deep meaning go inside and ask what matters to you about your country and exhibit those qualities or work on making those qualities your own.

Independence Day, no matter where it is celebrated is a secular holiday. Is there a way to make it a spiritual holiday?

Yes it can be done. Nina uses a 4 world approach to the celebration which comes from the Kabbalah. The Jewish mystics (kabbalah) believe the world was created in stages and there were 4 worlds: world of being, thinking, feeling and doing/action.

In Nina's model she combines all 4 worlds. Nina says apply the 4 world approach to make this holiday spiritual. Start with the world of doing ie pick a charity and donate money or volunteer. Take action in a manner that feels right to you. Do something that makes a difference. Spend time thinking about how you feel about your country. Combine thought and feeling about what you want to create for yourself and your country and bring it into a prayer filled with gratitude for what has already occurred and visualize what you want as if it has already happened. Now feel gratitude as if it has already happened. Next spend time being; be with God, your ancestors and call on them and be with them. Be with all as one. Lne with your nation, one with the world remembering that we are all independent and separated and joined all at the same time. Ultimately we are all one. This is how we experience this holiday on a deeper connective and spiritual level.

Are there any other way that our listeners can 'use' Independence Day to help them move towards achieving their full potential, for personal growth or for living their lives more fully?

Independence begs the question what are you dependent upon, enslaved to, restricted by, addicted to, what crutch do you want to lay down, who are leaning on, how are you still functioning like a child still dependent on a parent? Ask yourself these questions. Take independence on as a personal holiday to separate yourself from something else each year and celebrate what you separated from each year. Each time it may feel like a bit of a battle just like your country went through to reach independence. You may have to go to war on addiction, or extricate yourself from a bad marriage, relationship or job or get out from under debt or bad health. All sorts of things hold us back because we become dependent on things and commit to getting the help we need. Then the following year celebrate your achievement. You will have grown personally and will live your life more fully in so many ways.