Welcome to Ubuntu.
In this session we're going to explore Ubuntu,
I am because we are.
So take a deep breath in and slowly let it go.
Breathe in deeply,
Feel the air expand within you and exhale softly letting go of any stress or tension.
One more time a slow steady breath in and a gentle release.
As you settle into this moment,
I invite you to imagine something simple yet profound.
You are not alone.
Even when you feel isolated,
Unseen or unheard,
There is an invisible web that connects you to others and there is a word for this.
It's Ubuntu.
In ancient African philosophy,
Ubuntu means I am because we are and it speaks to the deep truth that our well-being is woven together.
So let's journey into the heart of Ubuntu,
A story,
A reflection and a practice to embody this connection.
So let me tell you a story.
There was once a small village nestled between rolling hills and vast open skies.
It was not a wealthy village,
Not in money at least,
But it was rich in something far greater,
Community.
In this village,
When one person had food,
Everyone ate.
When one person was sick,
The whole village cared for them.
And when one person was sad,
Others gathered around sharing stories,
Laughter and love.
One day,
A visiting anthropologist arrived carrying a basket of sweet fruit.
He decided to conduct a little experiment.
He called the village children together and said,
Let's play a game.
I will place this basket under that tree and when I give the signal,
Run as fast as you can.
Whoever reaches the basket first gets to keep all the fruit.
The children were excited,
They nodded,
Their eyes gleaming with excitement.
The anthropologist gave the signal.
But instead of running as individuals,
Something surprising happened.
The children took each other's hands and ran together.
They reached the basket at the same time,
Sat in a circle and shared the fruit equally,
Laughing and smiling.
The anthropologist was puzzled and asked,
Why didn't you race against each other?
One of you could have had all the fruit.
And a young girl looked up at the anthropologist and said,
Ubuntu,
How can one of us be happy if the others are sad?
And in that moment,
He understood.
Ubuntu was not just a word,
It was a way of life.
What a beautiful story.
Let's just take a moment to reflect.
What would our world look like if we truly lived this way?
If we saw one another,
Not as strangers,
But as part of our own circle.
If we celebrated each other's successes as our own.
So,
Ubuntu reminds us that no one heals alone.
When we uplift others,
We uplift ourselves.
When we breathe in love,
We exhale fear.
When we extend kindness,
It ripples outward in ways we may never see.
And so,
Let's practice this together.
I invite you to place a hand over your heart.
Breathe in deeply,
Feel the air filling your lungs.
And as you exhale,
Just visualize sending a breath of kindness to someone who needs it.
A friend,
A stranger,
Even yourself.
Again,
Inhale,
Fill your body with the energy of connection.
And exhale,
Releasing warmth and care into the world.
Let's try a rhythm that embodies Ubuntu.
It's the 4-2-9 breath.
Inhale for four counts,
Feel the life force connecting you to all living things.
Hold for two,
Letting that energy settle within.
And exhale slowly for nine counts,
Slowly sending love,
Peace and connection outward.
Let's do this one more time.
Inhale,
1-2-3-4.
Hold.
And exhale for a slow count of 9-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9.
And just once more,
Let's breathe in the spirit of Ubuntu.
Four counts in,
Hold for two counts,
Exhale slowly for nine.
And breathe out kindness into the world.
Beautiful.
So,
As we gently return to this moment,
I invite you to carry this feeling with you.
Because you can practice Ubuntu in small,
Simple ways.
A kind word to someone who needs it.
A deep breath before reacting.
A moment of gratitude for those who support us,
Seen and unseen.
And just remember,
Your presence,
Your energy and your kindness have a wonderful impact.
Because I am because we are.
So,
May we walk forward today knowing that none of us are alone.
Take one more deep,
Peaceful breath.
And gently release.
And when you're ready,
Slowly open your eyes.
Roll your shoulders if that feels good.
And come back to this present moment.
Thank you so much for being here and listening to the Tuesday Musings podcast.
Namaste,
My friend,
Peaceful healer.
