Finding Ubuntu

After many hours of pensive contemplation and the direction that I wanted to take with my blog, I went deep within to find what it is that makes my heart sing.  The answer wasn’t simple, nor should it be for anyone.  We are all multi-dimensional creatures that have depth and emotions that aren’t simple to stamp a label on and be on our merry little way.  I am writing this blog in hopes of inspiration, deep and speculative thought, lessons, anything that pops into my head (I come from the writing school of stream of consciousness, or I guess you could call it ADD) , whether it be yoga or current events, perhaps a laugh or two with some cute animal pictures thrown in for good measure and of course my favorite things to write, haikus and tankas:)

Once I figured out what I wanted this blog to focus on, which it seems is pretty much everything, I had to sit down and think of a name for this project…hhhmmm, I could go the narcissistic route and call it something to the effect of Amita’s Craziness or The World According to Amita or AMITA in all CAPS and BOLD because I fancy myself that much…then it would seem like I would have to yell my name when talking about my blog and that just seems tiring and oh so very loud, also I don’t like to yell all that much, unless I’m watching sports and then I can be downright obnoxious.  But in all seriousness, I had the name picked out awhile back, I just needed to stop procrastinating and start it…isn’t there some sort of adage, “starting is the hardest part” or some other silly cliche that seems like it’s clever, but in reality, it’s annoying and stupid (I DESPISE cliches, but I’m sure I’ll throw a few in here because, well, I need something to make fun of).

Okay, let me get back on track here. So the name of my blog is, “Finding Ubuntu.”  For those of you wondering what Ubuntu is, well, it is a philosophy of African tribes that can be summed up as, “I am what I am because of who we all are.”  I have always loved this sentiment.  The story that I read which explains Ubuntu in a more direct way goes something like this (I do not know the source, but when I find it, will put it on this post for those interested)….

“An anthropologist studying the habits and customs of an African tribe found himself surrounded by children most days. So he decided to play a little game with them. He managed to get candy from the nearest town and put it all in a decorated basket. at the foot of a tree.

Then he called the children and suggested they play the game. When the anthropologist said “now,” the children had to run to the tree and the first one to get there could have all the candy to him/herself.

So the children all lined up waiting for the signal. When the anthropologist said “now,”  all of the children took each other by the hand ran together towards the tree. They all arrived at the same time divided up the candy, sat down and began to happily munch away.

The anthropologist went over to them and asked why they had all run together when any one of them could have had the candy all to themselves.

The children responded: “Ubuntu. How could any one of us be happy if all the others were sad?”

Bishop Desmond Tutu gave this explanation in 2008 :

“One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu – the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can’t exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can’t be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality – Ubuntu – you are known for your generosity. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole World. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.”

This blog is about creating and finding Ubuntu.  We are not separate from each other, but are a part of each other’s fabric…all woven together in beautiful colors, shapes, and sizes.  I want to help this philosophy come together in a way that we all can help each other in the most loving, generous, and compassionate ways.  We need to let our egos become silent and be good to one another.  I have always wanted to save the world and this may not do it, but I hope it’s a start.