Who are you now? 

Independent or Interdependent?

Are you a separate self, surviving a hostile world? Are you a multiplicity of parts? If so, which part are you now? Are you believing that resources are scarce and you need to maximize your security? Are you believing that love and cooperation will heal our broken systems? What will become of us and who have we become?

"We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness."

 ~Thích Nhất Hạnh

Who I am now is not who I was last year, last month or last week. I am changing and so are you. For all of us, change is happening so quickly it is impossible to comprehend. Expecting what worked before is going to work this time is not a sure thing. Give up the idea of being a "good person" in favor of being exactly who you are now.

As the comedian, Swami Beyondananda puts it, "You are a totally unique being; just like everyone else."

Two Sides of the Same Coin

Independence is celebrated in our culture: the ability to stand on our own, make decisions, and honor our unique path.  Sometimes becoming oneself means leaning into others—sharing our story, asking for help, and letting ourselves be seen and heard. Interdependence isn’t weakness; it’s a recognition that we are wired for connection, and that healing often happens in relationship.

When we find the courage to be vulnerable, we open the door to deeper connection, wisdom and transformation. Interdependence allows us to witness each other’s journeys, offer compassion, and receive support. Tara Brach describes this as “radical acceptance”—embracing ourselves and others, just as we are.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Both Sides

Here are a few practices to help you honor your independence while nurturing healthy interdependence:

• Micro Write Journaling: Take five minutes to write about a time you felt most at home in yourself—what was that like? Then, recall a moment when someone’s support made a difference. Notice how both experiences shape your sense of self.
• Breathwork for Boundaries: Practice slow, deep breathing while visualizing a healthy boundary around you. With each inhale, affirm your autonomy with a gesture, such as both palms facing away. On each exhale, imagine connecting with those who uplift you.
• Reach Out: If you’re facing a challenge, consider sharing it with a trusted friend. Notice how it feels to be witnessed, without fixing or solving—just being present together.
• Movement for Connection: Hugging your knees while lying on your back or slow walking in nature can help you focus on the sensation of grounding and being supported by the earth. Let this remind you that you’re made of the same elements as the earth
• Mantra: Sing. Earth my body, water my blood, air my breath and fire my spirit. Here is the mantra sung by Maggie Clifford:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmlkr2x6lKs

We can mentor you

Our programs are designed to meet you exactly where you are, blending mindfulness, movement, and mentoring for a personalized approach. We guide you in building a toolkit of micro practices that fit your life. Schedule your free discovery Zoom call with Eddie and me.