By Leini Jenkins
“Being whole and simultaneously part of a larger whole, we can change the world simply by changing ourselves.”
You have probably heard the words "polarized" and "division" thrown around quite a bit recently. It seems like people are dividing and isolating themselves from those perceived as different and shutting out those who do not share their opinions or beliefs. The tendency to favor in-groups and disassociate from out-groups is an age-old human problem. However, the principle of interconnectedness may help transcend the “us vs them” mentality. Interconnectedness – the idea that all living and non-living things are connected – has roots in Buddhist teachings, stating that nothing lives or exists in isolation. Instead, we exist as part of an intricate whole that is made up of interrelated parts and mutual support (Ikeda, 2012). Interconnectedness tells us we are not independent beings on a solo journey but rather interdependent “matters [that] are mutually influencing one another and co-arising dependently” (Yu et al., 2020, p.1239). According to the principle of interconnectedness, when we move toward the belief that we are isolated beings who can act without consequence to the larger whole, it breeds division, fear, and mistrust (Awakening to the Interconnectedness of Life, 2020). There seems to be a lot of that going around, and perhaps some unique aspects of our modern world make it easier to buy into the notion "us vs them."
For example, social media has greatly enhanced the ability to spread information like never before. While this is generally a good thing, because of algorithms, we tend to view content that aligns with our preferences, likes, and beliefs, which facilitates confirmation bias – the tendency to only pay attention to information that reinforces our beliefs (Casad & Luebering, 2025). In addition, the content that tends to spread the most incites fear and hostility toward perceived out-groups. In one study, when participants unfollowed accounts that fueled political ideology and instead followed neutral accounts of science or nature, it was associated with lower animosity toward the perceived out-group (Rathje et al., 2024). Another possible factor may be dismissing those perceived as different from us or our ingroup. Instead of being able to engage in dialogue, create understanding, or think critically, we just dismiss them altogether, further surrounding ourselves with people similar to us. According to Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, the hyper-intolerance we see today stifles psychological well-being, connection, and productive problem solving (Jonathan Haidt, 2019). Lastly, while the opportunities to connect with people across the globe have increased with the use of technology, the feeling of connection on a local community level seems to be decreasing. The Pew Research Center reported that Americans, especially, are less likely to feel connected to their local communities. Younger adults (ages 30 and under) feel less connected to their local community than adults over 65 (Kramer, 2024). Not only are people feeling less connected with other people, but we are also less connected with nature. A mix of urbanization and an increase in indoor activities and distractions, such as television, the internet, and video games, has left us with less incentive, access, and appreciation for the natural environment (Kesebir & Kesebir, 2017).
Reorienting Toward Interconnectedness
These are just a few examples of disconnection and division, but how can cultivating interconnectedness help reorient us to a better place? Perhaps if we realized the extent of our connectedness and dependence, we would be more inclined to work together. First, you might consider how or what is happening now that allows for your existence. The air you breathe, the gravity that keeps you grounded, the sun and water that give life, and the food you eat that is grown because of the water, sun, and air. The countless animals, creatures, and plants each play a critical role in maintaining the diverse ecosystems that make up this planet we call home. You might think of people and how we influence and rely on each other to make everyday things happen. You might also consider your role and contribution. We need each other. Not in the sense of what you give me or what I can gain from you, but in how we are connected and can nourish, nurture, and thrive together. Taking a moment to appreciate this miraculous truth is a good first step in turning toward an attitude of interconnectedness.
Reconnect by Disconnecting From Social Media and Technology
In his book Reconnected, Carlos Whittaker (2024) goes 7 weeks without screens to see what it would be like and how that would affect his ability to connect with others. He documents his journey and the lessons he learned along the way. While he is not advocating that we get rid of all screens, he does offer some helpful and practical suggestions for how we can practice disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with others in person. Some of his suggestions include turning off non-essential notifications (e.g., social media, news, and sports), going one day a week without screens, or seeking out and engaging with other people without the distraction of a screen. This might look like putting your phone away while talking and interacting with others (bonus points if you seek out and connect with people who may be different than you).
I think the book is worth reading, but if you don't have time to commit to reading a whole book, you could listen to this podcast. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5VGCYno0yWTRzi0b2KcHhT?si=5a159e3af1844809
Lovingkindness Meditation
Lovingkindness meditation can be a good way to cultivate a sense of common humanity and compassion for others, even those you may disagree with. This practice starts with extending kindness and compassion to yourself and then gradually extends that compassion to all beings. Lovingkindness meditation is associated with many benefits, including increased positive emotion and well-being (Fredrickson et al., 2017). Compassion can also help us realize our common humanity – seeing past superficial differences and realizing our profound connectedness to each other due to our shared human experience (Awakening to the Interconnectedness of Life, 2020).
Here is a meditation practice to try! https://youtu.be/4RPHbRC3wl8
Nature Engagement
A very crucial component of interconnectedness is our relationship with the natural world. Connecting with nature is associated with positive emotions such as awe, gratitude, and wonder. All these emotions diminish our ego-centric sense of self, allowing feelings of connection to the larger whole. Finding ways to be in nature and increase your exposure to nature can help you feel a greater sense of connection and purpose (Green & Keltner, 2017). If you want ideas on how to engage with nature, check out the Nature Engagement module.
Embrace Interconnectedness
A quote from Disney's The Lion King gets at the heart of this message. When the character Mufasa talks to his son Simba about the kingdom Simba will one day rule, Mufasa explains to Simba the interconnected nature of their existence, saying, "Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance." He explains to Simba his place in that existence and that he will be responsible, and better off, for protecting that balance. As interconnected beings, I believe we will be better off embracing our inherent interconnectedness rather than retreating from it.
Want more information and practices to help you cultivate interconnectedness? Check out the Interconnectedness module!
“I think what makes us human—is our interconnectedness among people. It’s our ability to form and maintain relationships. It’s the barometer by which we call ourselves human.”
References
Awakening to the Interconnectedness of Life. (2020a, July 1). World Tribune. https://www.worldtribune.org/2020/awakening-to-the-interconnectedness-of-life/
Awakening to the Interconnectedness of Life. (2020b, July 1). World Tribune. https://www.worldtribune.org/2020/awakening-to-the-interconnectedness-of-life/
Casad, B. J., & Luebering, J. E. (2025). Confirmation Bias. In Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/confirmation-bias
Fredrickson, B. L., Boulton, A. J., Firestine, A. M., Van Cappellen, P., Algoe, S. B., Brantley, M. M., Kim, S. L., Brantley, J., & Salzberg, S. (2017). Positive Emotion Correlates of Meditation Practice: A Comparison of Mindfulness Meditation and Loving-Kindness Meditation. Mindfulness, 8(6), 1623–1633. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0735-9
Green, K., & Keltner, D. (2017, March 1). Greater Good Magazine. What Happens When We Reconnect With Nature. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_happens_when_we_reconnect_with_nature
Ikeda, D. (2012). My dear friends in America. World Tribune Press.
Kesebir, S., & Kesebir, P. (2017). A Growing Disconnection From Nature Is Evident in Cultural Products. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 12(2), 258–269. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691616662473
Kramer, J. F. and S. (2024, May 8). Americans are less likely than others around the world to feel close to people in their country or community. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/05/08/americans-are-less-likely-than-others-around-the-world-to-feel-close-to-people-in-their-country-or-community/
Lukianoff, G., Haidt, J. (2019). The coddling of the American mind: how good intentions and bad ideas are setting up a generation for failure. Penguin Books.
Rathje, S., Pretus, C., He, J. K., Harjani, T., Roozenbeek, J., Gray, K., Linden, D. S. van der, & Bavel, J.J. V. (2024). Unfollowing hyperpartisan social media influencers durably reduces out-party animosity. OSF. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/acbwg
Whittaker, C. (2024). Reconnected: How 7 screen-free weeks with monks and Amish farmers helped me recover the lost art of being human. Thomas Nelson.
Yu, B. C. L., Mak, W. W. S., & Chio, F. H. N. (2020). Promotion of Well-Being by Raising the Awareness on the Interdependent Nature of All Matters: Development and Validation of the Interconnectedness Scale. Mindfulness, 11(5), 1238–1252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-020-01334-5