The Value of Our Interconnectedness

Over the past two months, it’s been jaw-dropping to see just how the human and natural worlds impact one another and are so interconnected. From air pollution dropping, to everyone growing gardens this year, and also cautiously watching what is happening with our our global food supply chain--our connection with the environment normally is so closely knit, but now even more so.

Alan Watts in a lecture explains the idea of how everything on the planet – humans, weeds, flowers, insects, birds, bees, EVERYTHING – only exists because everything around it also exists. For example, flowers and plants only exist because of bees, and bees only exist because of flowers. Not to mention, they pollinate 70% of our global food sources.

And it has been a unique time for us humans to receive this reminder about our interconnectedness with nature, and where we fit in it all. It’s unique experience because while we usually roam around only paying attention to what’s right under our noses, some of what was assumed day in and day out about how nature benefits our everyday lives has now been thrust into the spotlight.

With footage of farmers on the news, as well as more grocery store shopping and home cooking, we can see a stronger connection between those fruits and vegetables at the store and all of the human and animal labor that brought them there. The essential work of our farmers, pollinators, harvesters, truck drivers, grocery store workers, and more, invites us to pay closer attention to the connection between us, the Earth, and how we impact it.

But it’s also a very understandable time where you may feel completely disconnected, lonely, and think, “I am only one person, how does anything I do make a difference in any of this?” But this thinking hardens the line between where we end and where others begin, and keeps us focused on our own needs. When we are in the presence of something truly beautiful in nature, whether it be the full moon at night, the seemingly infinite ocean horizon, or an ancient tree--we feel so small. We feel small because we know in that moment we’re part of something so much bigger.

Spring is a time where our physiology senses a natural opportunity for a fresh, clean start, we can all take advantage of. Our bodies are primed to lighten things up, and it is common to experience a renewed sense of joy and inspiration from the natural world. For example, I’ve been feeling so inspired every day by the little seedlings on my windowsill germinating, then growing into little plants every day. And in turn, I try and channel that enthusiasm into little parts of my day and to others around me.

In chapter 3 verse 21 of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna tells Arjuna that a great person leads by example, setting standards that are followed by others all across the world. Now, an extremely important but subtle point made by Krishna is hidden in the phrase “ideal person does”, showing that our actions always speak louder than words:

yadyadaacharati shreshthastattadevetaro janaha |
sa yatpramaanam kurute lokastadanuvartate

Whatever an ideal person does, so do other people (imitate him). Whatever standard he sets, other people follow.

Now it’s your turn to be that leader for someone else. Maybe it’s the person you’re working with who sees you growing plants, or your parents watching you use a reusable water bottle, or the person behind you at the store seeing you take out your reusable bag. If you choose to take these small actions, you are playing a part at improving our relationship with the Earth and by spreading your good habits freely like seeds.

We can also invite the connection with our physical practice. It’s interesting how many asana or yoga poses are named after animals, or parts of the earth, like Eagle or Mountain Pose. To connect more deeply with the outside world, practice outside if you can, and prefer poses and practices where you feel the earth supporting and holding you, like Pigeon Pose, Baddha Konasana, or Savasana. Meditating also helps us get in touch with feeling our connection with the energy of the natural world, and pranayama (deep breathing) outdoors helps us appreciate the oxygen produced by trees and plants.

So you have your challenge. This month, try and spend some time outside under a tree, and in the open sky feeling like you are a part of the whole, not separate from it, and be a good example for someone else.

Embrace this idea not just the head level, but at your heart level where there is a joyous interconnection between us and all of life.  In this process, you may experience a profound love awakening. What I have learned myself is that by seeking stillness in nature, our deepest heart’s callings become very clear.