Interdependence

We’ve been spending this year trying on a revision to the way we express our common values as Unitarian Universalists. In the month of April, we explore the theme of Interdependence.

As far as values go, some might look at this framing of interdependence and think that it covers everything we want to be: 

Interdependence. We honor the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part. With humility and reverence, we covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation, creating and nurturing sustainable relationships of repair, mutuality, and justice.

All of the other values we’ve been exploring seem to flow directly from this commitment to understand ourselves in relationship to a greater whole, and to embrace what this relatedness asks of us. I’m also struck by the impossibility of this value when we approach it as individuals. 

Yes, I can individually commit to honoring the interdependent web of all existence, and I can commit to mindfulness about recognizing myself as a part of that larger web. As an individual, though, protecting Earth and all beings from exploitation is larger than what I can hold all by myself. Even creating and nurturing sustainable relationships of repair, mutuality, and justice seems like more than one person can do alone.

In fact, I feel exhausted when I imagine a one-sided commitment to create and nurture sustainable relationships. And I know it’s easy for people to feel taken advantage of when they’re the only ones in a relationship who seem interested in repairing things. Which is why the word mutuality is vital in this commitment.

I know Unitarian Universalists are fond of wordsmithing, and I often try to steer away from the specifics of terminology to seek a deeper understanding of what’s intended by the words. In this definition and covenantal statement, though, all of the words seem important and carefully chosen. I find myself meditating on them one by one and as they relate to each other.

Over the next few Sundays, we’ll take time to explore what interdependence might mean for us in our human relationships and in our relationship with Earth and her non-human inhabitants. On April 7, we’ll consider how to broaden our perspective of human experience beyond our own needs and preferences, to gain deeper insights into creating inclusive community. April 14 will be our Second Sunday meal together, provided by Harry’s Kitchen Crew, and we’ll explore how we are defined as human beings by our relationships and connections with others. 

Then, we’ll expand our sense of interdependence out to the larger planet on April 21. Our observance of Passover will cap off the month, as we reflect on the differences between freedom and liberation, and how a sense of interdependence guides us in our pursuits. 

I invite you to spend some time considering this value of interdependence, and how your spiritual practices might foster a deeper sense of connection within the web of all existence. How would our experience of day-to-day life be different if this one value infused all of our interactions and relationships? 

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