Sowing the Seeds of Interdependence

Spring is in full bloom and what better time to showcase the strong human and animal connection to Mother Nature.
When recently exploring relationship interdependence in Sunday School, the children weren’t shy in relating stories about how their parents make their worlds turn. After all, the parental relationship records a child’s initial introduction to the core value, interdependence, cementing connectivity to all existence.
As they indicated, going to school, attending church and shopping for their favorite snacks would be an impossibility without parents on whom they depend for transportation. Furthermore, had Mother Nature not gifted us with oversized trees, there’d be none for kids to climb.
For children, interdependent bonds often extend beyond nuclear families to include pets. Whether a furry feline or a curious canine, pets provide invaluable companionship, supporting the growth of self-esteem, physical activity and social skills.
While California earthquakes have become the geological norm, what may rival the interdependent parent/child relationship is how Mother Nature communicates with animals. Recently, three adult female elephants at a San Diego Zoo formed a barrier known as an alert circle to shield their young during a quake. They did so instinctively after sensing the earth shake through their feet.
Reinforcing the web of connectivity, elephants are said to be highly social creatures wired to protect when threats are perceived. Mariame Kaba, a Chicago educator, activist and author, puts the icing on the interdependence cake: “Nothing that we do that is worthwhile is done alone.”

Shari Wright, UU Education Coordinator