Generally speaking, we have a lot of freedom here in the U.S. and Canada. We are free to say what we want, travel where when we want, eat and drink what we want... Well, mostly anyway. 

After all, there was that raid on a raw foods co-op in Venice Beach (CA) a few years ago.

At the same time, when people don't know what their options are, or how to access those options because they are off the beaten path or too far away, then how free are they to make any choice other than the status quo?

I have a friend who traveled from Los Angeles to Chicago for breast thermography because she couldn't find any local thermographers (this was before the Holistic Chamber of Commerce). Most people just don't have the money or the time to take a trip like that for a simple test. And we now know that there are many professionals who offer thermography testing, often nearby so that it's not necessary to travel cross-country and is more affordable.

If the thing in front of you seems to be the only possibility, do you really feel as if you can choose something else? Most people just feel stuck when there seems to be only one option.

Won't it be nice when it's as easy for people to find holistic, natural and green products, services and solutions as it is for them to find the corner drugstore?

Now that's freedom!

That's why we offer a free-to-search directory of reference-checked professionals, practitioners, and businesses at The Holistic Chamber of Commerce.

Camille Leon is the Founder and Director of The Holistic Chamber of Commerce, a growing community of professionals, practitioners and business people who support each other in blending spiritual values with building businesses and helping consumers find holistic and eco-friendly solutions. She is also a speaker and author. For more information or to become a Member, please visit HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com.