Given that humans are so interdependent and interconnected, SUMITA CHAINANI KATARIA recommends a five-point formula to build bridges of understanding with each other

Humans are the only species born with super intelligence. We have amazing power within us. But we haven’t even tried to fully explore our assets owing to our conditioned mind. This is because as children we are not taught about our connectivity and interdependence with all living and nonliving entities.

We are not taught that our presence in this world is interconnected with other things present everywhere. We are taught that we come and go alone. But if we think deeply about this, we will realise this is not true.

We must realise that we are born here with this body, which is made of five basic elements, the panchamahabhutas. These elements are present everywhere in other forms, too. Therefore, it follows that all living beings are strongly interconnected with each other, considering that we are all made from the same panchamahabhutas.

Sumita Chainani Kataria

So, one cannot label himself or herself as independent. The fact is we are all interdependent, because we are so very connected.

Whatever we need in our life comes through direct and indirect sources. We need people to work with; we also need animals for so many reasons. We need proper surroundings to live comfortably and harmoniously.

Just one roti which we eat is procured after so many processes, with the help of so many people and other resources. Unfortunately, we don’t value all of them because we lack the deep understanding of our existence ― interdependence and interpersonal relationships.

Humans have the amazing ability to think and act and to react to various situations sensibly, whereas, animals do not posses this faculty. The human brain is considered large compared to other species. Humans have the ability to understand emotions and experiences of other people. The most amazing thing about humans is that they have the talent and power of influencing, controlling, shaping and transforming other living and nonliving things.

Humans can train animals, birds and other species. They are so intelligent that they  can  bring tremendous changes in other things. No other species are as intelligent as humans.

If we have so much power  to influence others, then we can definitely use this to transform our own selves, too, and become more useful and helpful in maintaining the balance of everything around us, simply by understanding the perspective of others.

But our perception of others depends on our upbringing, different life experiences and social factors. Everyone’s perception is different, depending on one’s behaviour and also on one’s karma in previous lives. Because of these differences, it is difficult to maintain perfect interpersonal relationships with each other, even though we might be aware that we are all interdependent and interconnected.

Different perceptions lead to different conclusions, resulting in confusion and even failure to recognise the value of each other. In order to overcome this dilemma, we must understand one simple reality ― though everyone is different, each one has his or her value…nobody is superior or inferior.

We are just different. That is how the Creator intended it to be. This is what makes life and people, interesting. Isn’t it?

So, to maintain interpersonal relationships with everyone because we are interdependent, I recommend the following five-point formula:

1. We must humbly accept the differences between us and others.

2. We should listen to others carefully, not to just listen, but to understand their point of view and their actual intention.

3. We must not judge others by jumping to our own conclusions.

4. We must take the responsibility of our own perception of others, because we really don’t know the actual mindset of other people.

5. Most importantly, we must analyse our thoughts before judging others or coming to any conclusion.


Sumita Chainani Kataria, proud mother of three children, believes in human values. A commerce graduate, she holds a diploma in both business management and marketing management and has done a number of courses in web designing and photoshop. She loves to write poems and blogs on spirituality and emotional subjects.

Featured Image: Nishant Aneja from Pexels