WORKING WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF INTERDEPENDENCE

Human beings by necessity are dependent upon one another. "You can't manage this all by yourself; no man is an island." This expression is a quotation from John Donne's Devotions (1624): “No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main.” This is the basis of all existence. We should realize that ALL THINGS at some level are connected and interdependent. ​The "principle of interdependence" is the key to the existence of nature's entire system. The best example we have of this are the cells in our human bodies. They connect with one another through mutual exchange for the benefit of the entire body. Every aspect in life has some component of interdependence. By applying interdependence to culture, boundaries created by biases crumble. When interdependence is applied to morals our interactions nurture our relationships. By applying interdependence to the indigent, we foster empathy. Even more importantly by applying interdependence to communication, understanding and enlightenment is shared. Interdependence works through the strengths of association. The "spirit of interdependence" removes the selfishness of the "Y" in your and highlights "our." The character of our consciousness is reflected in how we treat one another.

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Acknowledging that life functions through interdependence is one thing. Knowing how to work interdependently is another matter. Our society, culture and consciousness is teaching us to live work and play competitively. Although it is socially and spiritually destructive, mankind continues to practice the art of "winning" and "beating" as if there is some virtue in dominating, controlling, or enslaving one another. Today is Friday the 13th. The superstitions surrounding the number thirteen is similar to our behaviors towards one another. Jesus, plus twelve disciples at the last supper makes thirteen, along with the fact that he was crucified on a Friday makes that myth. Do we really think Jesus was unlucky? Or is it more likely that through such a tragedy came our liberty. This is the same type of logic being applied to the belief that we can stand divided. We cannot consider ourselves to be standing united while we are falling divided.  Nothing in nature isolates itself from the rest of nature. Even a cactus needs water; just as the dust of the earth needs the wind to move it. Nature collides and divides as it combines its forces. By examining the process of mitosis, we learn that the primary reason the universe divides is to multiply. 

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Anyone who believes that isolation trumps cooperation is sorely mistaken. When we understand interdependence, we will become comfortable with being intertwined while simultaneously maintaining our individual identities. If we are not intentional about being inclusive, we will continue to knowingly or unknowingly, willingly or unwillingly perpetuate schisms through our existing inequities and biases. We are all created equal but there is a distinct difference between equitable and equal considerations. Every situation is not equal, but all situations deserve equitable treatment. EVERYTHING is dependent upon something else in order for it exist. As harsh as it sounds winners can only define themselves through the losers they conquer or vanquish. In contrast to that all heroes are defined by the results of their acts of valor. Without consideration for the effect upon all other interrelated things our actions may be detrimental to our own well-being. When we operate in a manner that is unaware of the "principle of interdependence" we create imbalances that can range from chaotic to catastrophic. When we consider the relationships in all existence, interdependence is at work regardless of how we frame it. Co-dependencies are a foundation of science. Whether we examine the four major branches of sciences or consider expanding it into fifteen the evidence is irrefutable. No "one" thing can have purpose or function without affecting and interacting with something else. Even without believing in quantum entanglement everyone should get this! We are interconnected more than ever before. It is both futile and destructive to pursue independent and separatist agendas while the world is becoming more and more connected. The principle is simple! If all of our thinking, policies and practices are done in the light of the "principle of interdependence" we will make decisions equitable for all of life. If we fail to do so our ignorance, will be the demise imposed upon ourselves.

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