A conversation with a friend the other day reminded me of the importance of being mindful of the interdependence that supports us all. Our conversation turned to the writings and teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk I’ve mentioned in earlier experiments. I found myself thinking out loud about how our daily lives offer endless opportunities to acknowledge and honor the contributions of so many people that make possible the comforts we take for granted.

As our conversation deepened, we found ourselves sharing what I can only call a “talking meditation”: I would mention the people whose efforts went into creating the fabrics used in the clothing that finds its way to stores in the U.S. Then, she mentioned the people who work in the factories that produce the clothing. Then we talked about all those involved in shipping and trucking clothing, the people who unload it at stores, those who unpack it and put it on hangars or fold it for shelves, the salespeople, the people who make the bags stores use that allow us to carry clothing home. The list went on and on and, by the time we were done, we both were keenly aware of the gift of time and energy contributed by so many people we will never meet.

We ended our contemplation with a deep sense of reverence for the many things we each have in our homes. Hanging up clothing becomes a meditation on gratitude, as does putting flowers in a vase. Using pots and pans to create a meal, taking food from the refrigerator, having water from the tap to clean up afterward – all these are possible only because of the contributions of countless unknown people and resources.

For this week’s experiment, I invite you to take a moment to recognize that all the resources and conveniences you have in your life come from the efforts and participation of people you will never meet but without whom you would not have the everyday things you take for granted. In particular, as you hang your clothes in the closet, notice what happens when you send a silent “thank you” to all the people who had anything to do with their creation. Allow this to be a practice for the entire week, each and every time you put on or take off clothing, shoes, jewelry – anything you wear. Also, notice how it feels to respect the efforts of all those people by choosing to take care of your belongings as a way of honoring their contribution.

Remember to allow curiosity to be your constant companion on this journey, and to discover how it feels to be mindful of the things you take for granted – and to take care of them as a way of respecting all those who participated in bringing them into your life.

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