Independent spirit. Independent thinking. Independent enterprise. With this portal, we celebrate, encourage, foster and share resources about each — and how independence and interdependence are inseparable.

What is independent spirit?

Far from being anti-social or uncooperative, the person exemplifying independent spirit sees that her own thinking and action affects others — and strives to make her effect on "the web" or common good a positive one.

The independent spirit doesn't collude with dominant forces simply because it might be more convenient, particularly when what is dominant isn't supportive of the common good, nor does he sit passively and wait for others to take his share of responsibility for ensuring his own well-being and that of the common good.

Regardless of where she works or lives, she takes an active role in contributing to a positive quality of life. He finds his courage and overcomes his fear to speak up, stand out, or take action to shine light on abuses of power and foster a positive impact on the world and a positive experience for individuals in the world. She listens for her own song, walks to the beat of her own drum, yet strives to stay in rhythm with the web and others making their home in it.

What is independent thinking?
Independent thinking is a willingness to be constructively critical (but not rude or cynical). The independent thinker doesn't passively wait to be told what to think or do, whether by friends, mass-marketing, advertisers, or politicians and their spin-doctors. They are not easily manipulated, because they've found their center through mindful reflection and respectful questioning. They know who they are, and thus are more comfortable allowing others to be as they are, so long as it doesn't harm the common good and ideally because it actually promotes the good.

What is independent enterprise?
At its simplest, independent enterprise is that which isn't governed solely by mindless acquisition or blind pursuit of maximized profit at the expense of anyone or anything else.

The mind and heart of the conscious independent enterprise work together, because they're resident within an individual or small group that is more accountable to those affected by decisions and actions.

At its core, independent enterprise is locally owned and accountable to the community in which it resides. At its best, independent enterprise is guided by a vision of making a positive contribution to the quality of life within its walls, its community and, through its example, the world.

It is aligned with higher philosophical or spiritual tenets, and thus is integrity centered, heartfully run, represents itself with dignity and humility, models our highest potentials, and demonstrates respect for others - people, animals, Nature, and the Planet (and cosmos!).

• Working from your own standards

• Leadership and authenticity

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• Engaged Spirituality & Mystic Activism

• Sophia's Children - Sacred Feminine

• True Majority

• The U.S. Declaration of Independence

• Declaration of Independence in Cyberspace (EFF)

• American Independent Business Alliance

• Store-Wars: The Story of Walmartization

• Institute for Local Self-Reliance

• Sprawl-Busters (Al Norman's Site)

• Hearts and Minds Network

The above includes web sites featuring a variety of independent opinions, which is why we feature them. We have no formal affiliation with any of them, nor do we receive remuneration for listing them here.