Happy Interdependence Day

To make this world different we have to realize that the self is plural, it’s an absolute delusion that’s killing the planet to think that the self is separate.
– Daniel Siegel

Hi everyone,

Tomorrow is Independence Day, aka, the 4^th of July. I hope you all enjoy yourselves!

While this cherished holiday celebrates the historical moment of coming to stand on our own as a country, I would suggest that it is not the least bit unpatriotic to simultaneously take note of the healthy human state, Interdependence.

We need each other. We are inter-woven and inter-connected. ‘A person is a person through other persons.’

While having a solid well-developed healthy sense of self is essential for many reasons, ironically, it is the very thing that creates the capacity for “we” by enabling us to experience connection, resonance, belonging and empathy. The very act of knowing our own inner state is the foundation for knowing the inner state of another. It allows us to ‘get’ what it is like to walk in someone else’s shoes. The phrase, “they don’t have a mind of their own…” is generally spoken as criticism, yet, no one has a mind of their own. We are all co-creating each other all the time.

When we see ourselves as part of the whole, it is not a noble, charitable act, it is tuning in to our most essential nature. To perceive otherwise comes from stress, trauma or wound, where our altered subjectivity has adopted a feeling of isolation as defense.

What is the best gift we can give to ourselves? Commitment to our own inner healing.

What is the best gift we can give to others? Commitment to our own inner healing.

And yet there are many times when the work of compassion, generosity toward others, helping others heal, becomes part of our own necessary journey toward inner transformation.

… to neglect compassion is a mistake because it is the source of our own well-being.
–  Dalai Lama

So, here’s to Interdependence, “we” and the pursuit of the common good.

We are very excited about this summer’s events, listed below, and an upcoming project with all details here: Phase3: Trauma Recovery for East African Refugees in San Diego. Any size contribution to help us launch Phase 3 this fall would be enormously appreciated.

Donate here:

Please note that we have changed the date to Sunday July 27  for screening, “God Grew Tired of Us” in order to include Joseph Jok, Julia Julima and Wai John Wai in the event discussion about Sudan, South Sudan, and refugees in San Diego.

Happy Interdependence Day,

Barbara English, LMFT
Founder & Executive Director, Living Ubuntu
livingubuntu.org | facebook | donate »
(949) 891-2005

[Ubuntu] n. Every human being truly becomes a human by means of relationships with other human beings.

::: UPCOMING LIVING UBUNTU EVENTS AND PROJECTS :::

Living Ubuntu Planning Meeting – all are welcome 🙂
Tuesday July 15 6:30p
1151 Dove Street #210
Newport Beach CA 92660
Conference line: Conference dial-in number: (951) 262-4343 | Participant access code: 377504

Screening of God Grew Tired of Us – new date!
Saturday, July 27 6:30p-9p
Irvine

LU & UNA-OC – Global Warming Collaborative Planning Meeting
Wednesday, July 30 6:30p
Patty’s office: 2424 SE Bristol Street, Suite 300, Newport Beach, CA 92660
If you arrive late, the door will be locked. To be let in, call Patty’s cell: 949.246.2969
Conference call-in number: (951) 262-4343 | Participant access code: 377504

TRE Certification Level I Training – space is limited; time to register!
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
San Diego