The Tribune

The transition from independence to interdependence is a fundamental process that must be undertaken if you desire to experience a life of harmony and interconnectedness.

While many may believe that achieving independence is the pinnacle of success, wisdom reveals that those who are truly enlightened have embraced and mastered interdependence.

Unfortunately, while the conversation around independence has become a common dialogue, clarity and understanding about interdependence has yet to reach the fore.

In essence, while society encourages the notion of independence, the fact of the matter is there is an innate level of interconnectedness that all people share – which is our interdependence.

So what the difference?

Dr Charles J Palus of the Centre for Creative Leadership puts it well using wisdom in his definitions: “Independent wisdom is about the journey of the self, and the power of personal experience and rational thinking. Interdependent wisdom is about the interconnection of everything and the mysteries of existence.”

Your acceptance of these definitions enables you to determine the degree to which you are growing towards a higher level of living by developing a sense of interdependence.

Although this article speaks to the two aspects of human evolution – from independence to interdependence – it is important to acknowledge the infancy stage of this process, which is dependence.

Essentially, these three phases of development begins with our inborn dependence. As babies, we are totally dependent on others for our needs and well-being. In phase two we begin to grow towards of our individuality; building a sense of independence, which develops our basic ability to manage ourselves and own our responsibilities.

Many struggle through this second phase and it is where most people remain.

From their vantage point, their independence is the ultimate achievement. Rather than seeing it as only the second tier of a three-part journey, they remain in this stage; restrained by the notion of being independent, believing that this means they don’t need anyone as they can do it alone.

So often the context in which independence is understood even on a personal level is limited to one’s capacity to pay bills and upkeep a certain standard of living

First of all, being independent is bigger than paying bills and maintaining the status quo. The fact of the matter is that no matter who you are, or your socio-economic status, nobody does it alone. From the time we wake up until the time we go to sleep, thousands, if not millions, of people have contributed to making our lives function – the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the material with which we build our homes are all made by the hands of people all over the world. So despite the notion of ‘independence’, we as human beings are forever in need of one another.

Indeed, while the lines of sovereignty must be respected, the idea of interdependence be also be acknowledged and pursued. Regardless of our place or birth or our nationality, we are all card-carrying members of the human race.

When we embrace our sameness and our undeniable interconnectedness, then and only then can we truly find peace and happiness.

Leader to leader, as we celebrate our nation’s 43rd Independence, be mindful that there is a higher, loftier goal to be achieved: our interdependence where we embrace our collective strengths, acknowledge our mutual reliance on each other and find creative ways in which to move forward, upward and onward together.

Your willingness to live at this higher level is at the centre of an empowered life, and yes, you can do it!

What do you think? Send comments questions to coaching242@yahoo.com.

• Michelle M Miller is a certified life coach, communication and leadership expert. Visit www.michellemmiller.com; mail can be sent to PO Box CB-13060.