Cultural Integrity and Evolution

People, things, institutions, methods, sciences, philosophies - all are good.  From each I shall learn everything thing that I can, and with deep gratitude acknowledge the good I am receiving from whatever source, but I am still whole within myself, dependent upon nothing, and yet always interdependent [emphasis mine] with all things.                                                               ~Ernest Holmes, Living the Science of Mind

This month we are focused on our cultural integrity and evolution, the idea of our Oneness and the social justice that must stem from the concept that we are interdependent as well as individualized. We know that it is our individual thinking, feeling and beliefs that mirror into our experience. But so too are the beliefs of our community and culture (sometimes referred to as race consciousness) reflecting in the experiences that are happening around us. We are not so much dependent on others, knowing the Law takes care of our needs, wants and requirements based on our beliefs, but we are interdependent upon each other for the care and evolution of our culture and planet. In our spiritual practice, through our pocketbook, time and because of our talents, we are called to share our microcosmic Selves (the individualized You) with the macrocosm of selves (the collection of Us). Yes, the Universe provides, putting together what ever is required to complete the experiences in your life, but remember, as Thich Nhat Hanh taught, “consider all the people, minerals, plants, animals, machinery, roads, infrastructure, etc. needed so we can take this bite of food.” Because of this, we are required to give as well as partake, participate and congregate, as well as isolate and contemplate.

...community is the native climate of the human spirit. It is for this reason that we seem most our true selves when we are deeply involved in relations with other selves...the human race cannot be ignored by the individual.        ~Howard Thurman, Meditations of the Heart

We can not exist without each other. The Tai Ji (Supreme Ultimate) diagram illustrates the relationship of Yin & Yang illustrates and our interdependence. Nothing is totally Yin or totally Yang. Just as a state of total Yin is reached, Yang begins to grow. Yin contains seed of Yang and vise versa. They constantly transform into each other.

No group is more important than another or more deserving than the other; we are united with the entire creation and must rise up to injustice, step up to assist those in need or drowned in ignorance, and hold up those that are down.

All borders and boundaries and separations are pure illusion. Each time we touch some one, we leave some particles of our skin atoms behind and pick up a parcel of new ones. Thus we merge, literally becoming part of each other. I am you and you are me and we are we.  ~Donna Henes, United We Stand. Happy Interdependence Day!

Everything we believe, think, say and do has an impact on everything everywhere. Its affect may be imperceptible or it may have far reaching consequences, possibly centuries down the road. Let us step up to support our community, organizations that support our ideals, and individuals who need a helping hand, as well as reduce, reuse and recycle our goods for a healthy planet.