This word was the theme of today's yoga class. During class I would reflect back on this word and its significance and relevance to my everyday life. Amber, my instructor for the day, made some amazing points concerning how the North American attitude is that of a more "independent" lifestyle. In fact, I would argue, we pride ourselves on our independence. However, I think it is central to the health of a nation or a planet for that matter, to ingrain in ourselves that our actions effect everyone around us. We don't live in a bubble, we are a part of a community, and it is vital that we all do our part to ensure we leave our communities in good health for future generations.
To live interdependently expresses our connection to every human and non-human animal around us. We must not simply see animals as means to fulfill our independent lives full of greed and gluttony. Animals and people should be working together, sharing our community, making our earth healthier for our children and our children's children.
Days can come and go so fast to the point when a year flies by in what feels like minutes. If we set an intention of interdependence, we can guarantee that we will work together, instead of against our community. The results will be amazing.
When we support the slaughter and suffering of innocent animals, we are choosing an independent, selfish life, that not only destroys the environment and ecosystems, but proclaims to the world a refusal too work together in harmony with the earth.
Think about it.
Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as self-sufficiency. Man is a social being. Without interrelation with society he cannot realize his oneness with the universe or suppress his egotism. His social interdependence enables him to test his faith and to prove himself on the touchstone of reality.
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