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October 2009 
What does independence mean to you?
Posted on Jul 4th, 2008
by 
Nishtha
Nishtha
This is in Response to the Questions and Reflections for July 04, 2008:
Kelly Clarkson-Miss Independent
...Well... that's what it meant to me as an adolescent!
Interdependence is Best
When I was a high-powered management consultant, Stephen Covey's book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" came out and it was all the rage in our office. We took seminars and workshops and incorporated his lessons in our game plans with our own clients. While I believe that he was simply tapping into universal truths, his package was quite neat and I find that I quote him a lot.
His framework identifies that the three phases of human life are "Dependence", "Independence" and then "Interdependence" As babies, we are completely dependent upon others for survival and our basic needs. As we mature, we need to detach from our dependence, establishing our "independence" by achieving a sense of self-sufficiency. Ultimately, however, "independence" is not the goal, "interdependence" is, where independent entities recognize the larger system in which they operate and the mutually advantageous support that they can provide to one another.
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.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Access: Public
Nishta, I also remember the wave of popularity that Covey rode in the business circuit. He seems to have passed the test of time with the seven habits. They are timeless and I get new meaning as my life progresses. At the time of first reading, I had never heard of the concept of interdependence from the Buddhist perspective, but am now very engaged in learning about it. How wonderfully interdependent it is that Covey, who is Mormon touts interdependence as a goal in much the same way as the Buddhists. It makes me think that true insight can be gained from many vantage points.
Happy Interdependence Day!
Maitri2u
Nishtha, thank you for this! We are inter-dependent, at both personal and global levels; and the sooner we realize that, the better.
Birds, bacteria, viruses and traders, have known this for ages!
Great minds think alike! When I was wondering whether I wanted to write a blog in answer to that question, the first thing that came up for me was, “true independence involves awarenss of and integrity about our interdependence.” And, in that regard, I'll express my gratitude that you were able to so clearly put those thoughts out there!
Very well said, Nishtha. I couldn't come up with an answer for what independance means for me. I hadn't ever really thought of it so this ~As we mature, we need to detach from our dependence, establishing our “independence” by achieving a sense of self-sufficiency. Ultimately, however, “independence” is not the goal, “interdependence” is, where independent entities recognize the larger system in which they operate and the mutually advantageous support that they can provide to one another ~made me think (which isn't always a good thing- lol).
Great blog!
Love, Ayla
maitri2u, Meenakshi, martha and ayla - thank you so much for being part of this glorious interdependent network of minds and souls that I tap into here on Gaia :-)
The energies that you emanate toward me give me the inspiration to write these kinds of entries…
Much love to you,
N
I love reading these kinds of business books as they are not just good for business implementations but also in your own personal life away from work. Thank you Nishtha.
Samme
A toast to ever widening circles of interdependence. Actually it's already there don't you think? So how bought a toast to more and more and more folks recognizing it!
Thanks Nishtha.
Blessings, David
INTERDEPENDENCE IS at the ROOT of THE NEW DAWN of …
Yes, Samme, business books are very good for one's own personal life away from work. I find Steven Covey's book to be very motivational in my personal life, to this day.
David, I raise my glass with you to toast/encourage more and more people to recognize and honor our interdependence!
Michael, thanks for sharing the link to The New Dawn. And I really appreciated what you said about direct democracy as well.