In this parsha, we are presented with the stirrings of freedom. This freedom is precisely found within exile. The Sfat Emet writes that the essence of exile is concealment, when the external world conceals the inherent holiness of every thing. The real tragedy of an exile into a material world is that we become exiled from ourselves, getting caught-up in appearances and not seeing the spiritual life and yearnings of ourselves and each other. Exile has a special purpose, the Sfat Emet writes, which is to heal this state of hidden-ness and superficiality, and to uncover and discover the light of holiness in the darkness of ignorance and suffering. To know, as the Midrash writes, that there is no place without shechina (G-d's indwelling presence), and that there is no holiness that can reveal itself in this world except for that which a person opens up. This is the fire in the bush - the holiness of every aspect of creation, sending out light through this very world.
Of course, taking away the veils of perception to this reality is not as easy as reading about it. The Midrash writes that Moshe said, upon seeing the fire, "I was asleep and my heart was awake." We must waken our hearts, to not just see holiness, but to feel it, to hold the world in our hearts with love. A key to this receiving of the world within the heart is found in G-d's revelation of His name to Moshe as "I will be what I will be." G-d, holiness, the world, others will be as they will be. Expecting something from any of them will prevent them from being truly received, as they are and as they will be. With an awake heart, a loving, non-judgemental space, I can let the other, and G-d, in simply as is. With simplicity and care, we can open ourselves to the holiness in each thing, and return from exile.
Meditation: Sit up straight and breathe naturally, deeply, and relaxed for a few moments. Let your body relax with each out-breath, and turn your focus inward to whatever sensations you may be having. Simply observe what it feels like, whether hot, cool, restless, annoyed, anxious, sleepy, excited - whatever your state is, just take note and let it be. Do the same with whatever thoughts come into your mind; notice them and let them be, just as they - as you - are. Embrace this state, open your heart to yourself, and to whatever comes and goes in your consciousness. Come back to yourself, breathe into who and what you are. Let yourself be what you will be, with openness and love.