This week has seen some interesting items arising from American celebrations of 4th July.
I’m pleased that my own post suggesting an international Interdependence Day struck a chord, both in people’s comments and in other posts.
Mata H, writing at BlogHer, has some really good things to say about changing experiences of the 4th (and I’m not saying that just because she linked to me!). She says:
In today’s world the idea of independence should combine with the spiritual reality of interdependence. Just as so many were not free here when the original Independence Day was established, there are still those here who thirst for justice and long to be treated as full Americans. One does not even have to look beyond our borders to see the injustice of unequal access because of race, religion, national origin, sexual preference or identity, gender, income/class.
Our spirits have not always kept pace with our sincerely treasured ideals.
Mata also links to a great video at Conflict Zen – the Declaration of Interdependence. Here it is:
I was thinking earlier about the concept of interdependence as it relates to faith and spirituality. Then while I was preparing this post, today’s meditation from Richard Rohr popped into my gmail in-box:
Question of the Day: What is our primary illusion?
Contemplation is the only way to come back to unitive consciousness, to experience the primal, in-depth oneness, to help you overcome the illusion that you are separate and to see the enchanted universe.
God is not out there!
For me, that is the enchanted universe that we have to see. The pattern of the universe is that we are one and that it is radically okay. God is on our side. So we can be at rest. We realize that life is a school. And I want to give myself to that school so that my soul can be formed.
This was one of those aha moments for me. Of course there is strife and dissent between different faith groups if we continue to see God as ‘out there’. If, conceptually, God is separate from us, then it’s so easy to project our own fears and prejudices outwards onto God and our religious practices. But if God is somehow both apart and part of our common humanity – our enchanted universe – then how much easier to understand that our hearts all beat out the same rhythm.
And where does patriotism fit in? My friend Hudson has an excellent post called I am not a patriot (subtitled an Independence Day rant). He says:
It is my opinion – unpopular, I know – that on this 4th of July, the “Independence Day” of my country, my country – or at the very least its government (but then, we elect them, don’t we?) – would do well to spend some time in national shame rather than national pride. Some time in ruthless soul searching and repentance rather than hoopla, parades, and fireworks. Of course it won’t happen. In an individual here or there yes, but not on any sort of scale….
Some of us joined in the ranting in the comments, and Barefoot Barbara with her usual incisive clarity pointed out that we were probably confusing patriotism with chauvinism and jingoism.
So what is genuine patriotism, and where does it fit with interdependence?
I think it’s to do with ancient feelings for the heart of the land. Not ownership, not flag-waving. Love of our part of the land and by extension for the whole Earth.
I’ve recently discovered the work of a wonderful artist and musician called Carolyn Hillyer, who lives in Dartmoor, South-West England. Her paintings are life-size interpretations of archetypal women, and her music uses chant, flute and drum. You can explore her work (along with that of partner Nigel Shaw) here. She is deeply attuned to the mythic qualities of the land, and to me, that love is true patriotism.
So I’ll end with the last three verses of her Hearthstone Song:
Now the clans are gathered, the first prayer sung
The first hearth set on the ground
Our promise made, our union spun
To the spirit of this place we are bound
To the spirit of this place we are bound.The buzzard is risen, the deer is at bay
The wolf is returned to her lair
We embrace you close on the cold of the earth
We touch you soft in the air
We touch you soft in the air.We will dance many days to the rhythm of your heart
Like an echo of drum on stone
Our voices are woven with the threads of your song
To the spirit of this land we are bound
To the spirit of this land we are bound.
Have a blessed week, everyone.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Tess, thanks for including my video and blog in your post.
Your comment about patriotism being in some ways “ancient feelings for the heart of the land” really left me with food for thought as I sit on my porch and look out into the woods.
Thank you for that.
tess, once again you have provided a great collection. i had earmarked “interdependence day” to come back and comment, but i am glad i waited to see this whole group of thoughts and perspectives together.
i was particularly taken with the video and the line “and we can begin right now, one connection at a time.” i often get overwhelmed by social justice topics because i don’t know what just one little person (i.e. me) can do. when i break it down, however, like this, “one connection at a time” it seems more manageable and helps me get my head out of the sand.
thank you for paving the way and bringing together these voices, so that i (and i imagine many others) might see a little more clearly.
peace.
Thank you for the compliment, Tess.
Every place is holy ground and worth loving and, in loving that place, we love all places. Governments are another thing. Cultures are a mixed bag. I have spent time in a couple of countries and each one has something good to be said for it and something negative.
Thank you for a rich assortment of thoughts to carry us through the coming week.
Tammy, welcome, and and thanks for your comment. I’m enjoying exploring your site.
Lucy, yes I struggle with the same ‘all or nothingness’. One thing, one connection at a time, is important.
Barbara, thank you. I’ve enjoyed your post today about your time in Japan, which is another perspective of the whole.
Hi Tess. I re-read your collections a couple of times before commenting. This allows the content to sink in. And with every re-reading, something different speaks to me.
Perhaps I can best summarize by saying your entire post has evoked in me several “Aha” moments. About a couple of matters related to interdependence.
I love how you’ve defined patriotism: “love of our part of the land and by extension the whole Earth.” I’m going to copy and save this quote. Yyou may see it again in a gardening post, perhaps titled “The Patriotic Gardener”, at at an appropriate time.
Hi Tess,
Yes, this took two readings and thought before writing. I love the concept of interdependence and a connection with and appreciation of our surroundings.
The past 100 years saw many people leaving the land and losing knowledge of natural rhythms. I hope this century sees us all learning again how to live with each other, connected for our common joy and benefit, and for peace. As it should be.
Thank you!
Grace and peace …
A quick note from A Catholic Notebook. . . . you can add your favorite books to the Blogger’s Choice Catholic Reading List until Wednesday. The deadline was extended due to some special requests! I can’t wait to see and share the results at the end of the week. Come on by!
Elaine: “The Patriot Gardener”, I love it!
Another Barbara: You’re right about natural rhythms. I was having a discussion with someone recently about the fact that the concept of seasonal produce is disappearing. Year-round strawberries means no lip-smacking in June.
Soutenus: Thanks for this, I’ll be sure to check out the reading list.