Yes, I spelled that correctly.

While we’re celebrating our nation’s history, freedom, and independence this weekend, why not pause to contemplate interdependence as well.

Interdependence acknowledges the connections between us all – that our actions and attitudes affect each other, for better or for worse. We are all in this together.

This past weekend, while teaching a Yin Yoga Teacher Training in Las Vegas, I was reminded of this connectivity as we discussed the anatomy of fascia. Fascia is, in fact, connective tissue! It plays a crucial and largely unsung role in the body, being a stabilizing net for our muscles and joints, helping maintain our structure and hold us in our shape, and even transporting water, hormones, and nutrients through the body, like your own personal internet. Fascia is one reason why a tight calf muscle can contribute to low back pain or achy shoulders, for example. None of our parts work in isolation. Nature is built on interdependence.

In the words of Chief Seattle:

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.”

So, Happy Interdependence Day! (And Happy regular 4th of July, too.)