Sacred Interdependence
Sacred Interdependence
Each day the sun rises and sets, the tides ebb and flow, birds sing and fly, animals forage and rest and humans interact within the world as they experience it. Most of us take this daily process for granted without giving it too much conscious thought. And yet, we live in a profoundly sacred interdependence with all that is in and around us. Understanding this truth is at the core of our very existence.
I know we often believe that we can act independently without impact on "other". We have deluded ourselves into believing that even for a second we can stand alone and apart from our world. How silly of us! Everyone and everything on this earth and in these skies are interconnected. This interdependent flow of life is always seeking equilibrium, that movement towards balance and alignment. It is a continuous process.
Perhaps we need to pay attention and recall what we already know in our hearts.
We interact and impact our world individually and collectively literally with every breath we breathe in and out. We take in oxygen provided by plants and trees and exhale carbon dioxide which is then reused. Our very breath shifts molecules and in the cycle of life, breathing itself becomes a powerful metaphor for this amazing and humbling interdependence. Polluted air is simply a symptom of our lack of awareness and denial of this simple yet profound truth. Otherwise we would never allow it.
This tender and perfect dance towards equilibrium continues whether we are awake and aware or not. There are infinite examples all around us. Deer become scarce when their predators the wolves, reduce their numbers. The wolf population grows until the shortage of deer reduces their numbers as well. And so it goes. Throughout the whole food chain there has always been an ebb and flow of plenty that keeps each species including ourselves in check. Even viruses, bacteria and fungi feed on others and thus assist in the breakdown of one form to support the evolution of another. Yet, at the present time there are more humans going hungry than are being effectively fed. This is in spite of the reality that there is more than enough food being produced in the world to feed us all. We are out of balance with the natural flow. We have the ability to change this.
Elephant, zebra, lion, hyena, giraffe and birds of many species will use a common watering hole, always alert to predator and prey, knowing the dangers this intrinsic movement towards balance brings. Once the water dries up their collective instinct drives them towards other sources of water they know is required for their very survival. Right now in many places throughout the world, women will walk several miles each day to find a source of water. Sometimes the people and the animals walk together in their quest. Misuse of the land and deforestation reduces the availability of water where it is needed. Water is fundamental to life and we have the capacity to do our best to ensure it freely exists for all beings.
There is a knowing inside us that we are refreshed and rejuvenated when we can escape the confines of our suburban/urban existence and move out into the more natural country side and wilderness areas. We treasure gazing over a lake, sitting beside a river, looking out over a mountain top, sailing, canoeing, hiking, kayaking, climbing and boating. Being surrounded by land, water, rocks and trees enlivens us. We feel more expansive. We feel at home. Our aggression depletes and the intrinsic love for others reemerges. Why? Whether we are conscious of it or not we yearn to reconnect in the most basic way with all that lies around us. We know this is where we will find the sacred in us and others. Each time we permit more of our natural landscape to be "developed", force crowding within inner cities and strip land to build more homes, we rob ourselves of the most fundamental element to a healthy and happy existence. We can shift to a more sustainable way.
Without a doubt most of us sense that something has been lost as we have "advanced" as a species. We know there is something "more" to life. We continue to search for this connection. Often we think that through acquiring material possessions we will find the elusive "something" that will bring us peace and happiness. That is, until we have more than we can ever need and still feel empty. Accumulating and hoarding "stuff" both figuratively and literally has become a sad reality for those desperate for filling the hole in their heart. Out of this pain and suffering, comes greed and a world filled with haves and have nots in many dimensions of our existence. Knowing that we are absolutely connected to every other human being can move us to a different course of action.
It is unlikely that we will ever truly understand how this intricate web of life works. It actually doesn't matter. What does matter is the journey towards the understanding of this inexplicable interconnection. What does matter is our ability to stand in humility and awe accepting we know little or nothing of this mystical interdependence and develop a curiosity to explore. What does matter is that we accept responsibility for our individual impact on each other and this world.
We are all whole, creative and resourceful. All things are possible.
You and I, every animal, bird, blade of grass, stream, tree, rock and breeze that brushes our brow are connected in an unfathomable dance of life. When we deeply know this as true and are willing to live and act on that understanding the healing of ourselves and our earth begins. In turning our attention to this sacred interdependence, all life is transformed.