Ubuntu--A celebration of relationships..on Mylot and with everyone else!
@Perspectives (7131)
Canada
February 17, 2008 4:41pm CST
I have been busy with a variety of work commitments and have not been able to participate on Mylot and I miss it. Two friends have abecome members here and they are finding what the rest of us know...this is an amazing place.
In my work I do life coaching through telephone consultations and often never meet the people at the other end of the line. There is a similar dynamic between the fact that I can come to really 'know' someone...even though we may never meet. Much to my amazement the same thing has occurred in the Cyber friendships I have developed on Mylot.
During the time I have been away I came across a quotation by Desmond Tutu from his book No Future Without Forgiveness that speaks to me of what we co-create as a community on Mylot and anyone else that we have a sense of connection with...and here it is:
(The term) Ubuntu is very difficult to rend into a Western language. It speaks of the very essence of being human...you share what you have. It is to say. 'My humanity is caught, is inextricably bound up, in yours.' We belong in a bundle of life. We say,'A person is a person through other persons.' It is not, 'I think therefore I am.' It says rather: I AM HUMAN BECAUSE I BELONG..I PARTICIPATE, I SHARE!"
A person with "ubuntu" is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper amount of self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed, or treated as if they were less than who they are.'
I found a similar idea in the teachings of Zen Master Dogen that also reflects what I see occurring on Mylot and among everyday people in all walks of life...
Master Dogen suggests:
To be enlightened is to be intimate with all things. What is it to wake up to the truth about reality? Is it to realize that we're made of the same subatomic particles as a starfish or the stars? Is it to drop our preoccupation with ourselves and watch the walls between me and you, mine and yours disappear? As our suspicious gage softens, a clear view of the universe emerges. Whenever we can see past superficial differences, we feel at home wherever we are. The world is no longer a room full of wary strangers but a vast cosmic BLOCK PARTY to which everyone and everything...is invited.
So I would love to hear from anyone out there about whether you see Mylot and the world at large this way...or do think differently? Within my framework of energy-based thinking not everyone agrees with my optimistic perspective...but that is fine. Cynics and pessimists have a right to their voice...and I love hearing the other side of things because it allows me to either confirm or re-frame things as needed.
So the floor is open...anyone care to comment? Good to be back...I miss chatting when I am away! Cheers and warm, caring regards to all! I have included a photo of a winter sunset in Manitou. When I took this photo I was feeling grateful to have reached a point in life where my focus is so much bigger, larger and expansive than it used to be. Just to let you know that many of you continually remind me about the importance of Ubuntu. I know there are so many of you out there that continue to work for the highest and greatest good of the all and I salute you and your efforts and thank you as well.
Raia
3 people like this
12 responses
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
18 Feb 08
Hello there...
First I have to say...
I don't know where you find the time to do all this...
Don't you get an headhache? lol
Your observation about people helping each other on myLot is an interesting one...
I can only give you my own point of view...
I come here to chat and relax. I don't have to help anyone. There are no commitment and no pressure to do so. That is what separate myLot from the real world. I try to help people because this is the purpose of myLot. If I did not want to do this... I would not be a member to start with.
In the real world... people have expectations of you helping them. That is where things start to go wrong.
It is easier to make friends on myLot than in the real world because there are no expectations. Even so... having friends on myLot is a very loose term... unless we take it to a new level like you and I did.
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Hi...where we find the time? Prioritizing..creating 'absolute yes' lists each day and week. Being guarded of time and discerning and not taking on projects from a 'should' place. Setting realistic goals and taking consistent steps towards achieving them and not adding more to our plates until we complete what we have started first. I have also developed a more relaxed approach to what doesn't get done in one day because if it is important enough time will be made for it.
In regard to your views on Mylot..I appreciate your approach and where you are coming from. I also agree that some people in our personal lives do set up expectations from others. Sometimes problems arise when they do not discuss the expectations and get upset when people fail mind reading school and don't meet them at their point of need.
Your other perspective about friendships being a loose term is true...and yes, we have taken our Cyber friendship to a deeper level through a willingness to share more of our lives away from here. However, there are a number of Cyber friends that I only chat with on Mylot and I do consider them 'freinds' because of the level of communication and connection shared. You and I started out that way and because of the comfort level we established we both chose to take it to a different level.
I think for me what Mylot provides does fit with the two examples in the discussion. Being here and chatting with different people from all over the world has augmented my sense of the One Song of life.
Thanks for another thoughtful and as always genuine addition to the topic.
Raia
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
18 Feb 08
I have never heard of this but I do think I am one of those people I share and hold every one up the best I can and I dont lie.
and yes this is a great place to have a block Party !.
as I think we do when we all get on here and write back and forth so nice to have ya back I have sorely missed ya . Me myself and I.
DOnt know about others lol hugs
2 people like this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
19 Feb 08
BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR glad I aint up there for sure
and yup we do differnet things in emails we dont say here. and when we talk on the phone we go completely a different direction are we complicated lol.
Hope to talk to ya soon an d hoping your weather improves a whole LOT!FAST!
hugs
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Hi...yes..you Southerners would not fare well in our frigid weather. But Manitobins or 'Tobins' as some refer to us are a hardy bunch. We get out our down jackets, Sorrel boots, scarfs, mitts and whatever else it takes to keep us warm...and just brave the elements. Not much else we can do..short of being totally housebound from December until April.
David and I have been going around and feeling walls for any drafts and patching them up and it is helping. Cuts down on energy costs...and keeps the house warmer. Thankfully we work at home and don't have to travel anywhere so we feel blessed about that.
Yes, our chats are unique alright...just like us! (chuckles)
Continue to take care...
Warm, fuzzy hugs to you!
Raia
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Well Lakota...I definitely think you have a lot of it...in the way you view the world and how you treat others.
When I read that about a cosmic block party...that is the way it feels when we are...enjoying a sense of community within our Cyber space community.
Thanks for your warm welcome back I miss you too. Our chats here have a little different flavor than when we are chatting by e-mail. I enjoy the back and forth banter on your site and mine too.
Hope to have some time to be around this week more...so you won't be missing me for awhile. So glad we have another way of staying in touch though!
Warm hugs from chilly Manitoba...supposed to minus 44 again tonight with the wind chill. Another big BRRRRRR factor...while you guys are tilling your garden. Oh how I wish!
Chilly cheers and hugs,
Raia
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
18 Feb 08
I am reminded of an anecdote in the great Indian EPIC Mahabharatha' where two people Dharma and Dhuryodhana are sent out to get a census of how many good people and how many bad people there are in the world. While Dharma comes back saying that he did not find one evil soul in the world out, Duryodhana comes back saying the exact opposite.-that there is not a good soul in the world out there.[Incidentally .I recall my friend Sudha with fondness at this juncture who told me this [in the course of my pg course in college where she called me Dharma and that she was Duryodhana --I refused to see her perspective even at that immature age and expressed some idealistic notion of mine-I don't remember the exact context but she paid me a compliment that i would see only the good in people-]But apart from idealism , I honestly believe in the ultimate goodness of humanity -this forum where there is such an objective sharing of ideas is a real example] and that when we think that people are good our mind translates this probably into action. We come across only good people in general -by good i mean people who would not intrude and who would give personal space -but one thing Raia, for all our optimistic perspective, we have to admitthat all this is valid when we do not transact too closely.When we get into close transactions we do tend to make mistakes and we have to be on our guard all the time because optimism is one thing but awareness is another thing. I am a bit lacking in this awareness but my optimism has stood me in good stead .
2 people like this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Hello again..ah how happy I am too see you here and to be able to share our ideas and perspectives again.
I think you have presented an excellent metaphor here in the teaching about the two people Dharma and Dhuryodhana and how your friend perceived you. Your optimism and belief in the basic good of humanity is something I recognize and respect as well.
We see similar things in this forum and know it is why we keep participating. I am sure neither one of us would spend time here if the integrity of the site diminished.
I also agree that I am much more watchful and discerning than I used to be. A close women friend of mine and I had to overcome what was a rather naive tendency to go by the appearance of things rather than honoring our intuitive knowing when our spiritual antennae was picking up on warning signals about people. Thankfully some tough life lessons were learned through painful breaches of trust. I know you had similar lessons to learn...so yes optimism coupled with realism and awareness are a great combination. I am thankful to have more of that in place now.
After so many years of living with an optimistic attitude and faith in the goodness of people I continue to have many, many more positive experiences than negative ones. The odd time that someone does betray my trust I put it down to a 'refresher course' in discernment, work through it and let it go.
So dear one, thank you again for your always thoughtful, meaningful additions.
Warm and caring regards,
Raia
@lexus54 (3572)
• Singapore
18 Feb 08
Hi Raia, another thought-provoking subject from you. Archbishop Desmond Tutu described it very profoundly when he expounded on it. While I am not a philosophical guy, here's my observation and comment about Ubuntu and how I feel it holds relevance for us.
Ubuntu, an African philosophy, originates from one of the dialect groups of Africa. In essence, it speaks of wholeness, of belonging, of a common bond within humanity in which interacting with our fellow human beings makes us discover ourselves more. People who embrace Ubuntu are said to be hospitable, warm and generous towards each other, have more compassion for one another and has a willingness to share.
I would think that Ubuntu hold special significance for Africans. Why so? For about 47 years between 1948 and 1994, South Africans were subjected to a system of legalized racial segregation due to her historical past. Apartheid legislation classified South African inhabitants into racial groups – black, white, colored, etc. There was segregation of rights to education, medical care, voting and public services in favor of white South Africa, and policies were deliberately enacted to make black people inferior to whites. This no doubt resulted in protests and uprisings, but these were repressed. This crime against humanity was finally dismantled in 1993 leading to elections in 1994.
In the aftermath of the fall of apartheid, the philosophy of Ubuntu was promoted to forge a stronger sense of unity among Africans. Democracy, collaboration, partnership with each other, – these virtues are probably what dictated welfarism in democratic South Africa. Each citizen needed to feel a shared responsibility to promote the well-being of the society as a whole. People should enjoy equal rights. Mutual support and caring for one another was promoted.
Although originally expounded in Africa, Ubuntu can be a concept that is relevant for the world because socio-economic, religious, racial and economic differences exist in many countries and societies. Human beings are all inter-connected, so an understanding of each other through interactions and through bonding together will narrow these differences.
By the same token, we can apply it to myLot community, because we are a diverse group of individuals from all over the world, yet as humankind, we share a common destiny and goal. Applying Ubuntu in our interactions, we learn to understand each other better here. We embrace a sense of togetherness, of wanting to share, to extend hospitality and generosity towards one another, as well as to feel compassionate when someone else feels life’s hurts. Ubuntu is well alive here at myLot, that's why we feel the kind of relationships we establish here, albeit only in a virtual sense.
2 people like this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Hi Lexus...thanks for your positive feedback about the discussion...and for your interesting...and informative addition to it.
I absolutely agree with your view that Ubuntu would hold more significance for Africans because of the brutality, repression and abuse of their basic human rights. Yes, the concept originated elsewhere...but the message is one that we can all benefit from.
I hope that the possible changes within the American political system will adopt the philosophy of Ubuntu. The polarizing effects that have resulted from many of the actions of the current administration could possibly be transformed if new leaders were willing to the philosophy of Ubuntu. If they were willing to apply Ubuntu in their foreign policies and within America it might be possible for greater greater global unity to emerge. Like John Lennon's beloved song...just "Imagine" what could happen!
I appreciate that your views align to mine about Ubuntu being alive and well at Mylot. I think the quotation by Archbishop Tutu and the other one reveal that there is lot of both rippling through the Land of Mylot...and aren't we blessed to be a part of it and sharing our humanity within this Cyber space community!
Wonderful chatting with you as always...I value the opportunity to share ideas with you.
Warm regards,
Raia
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
18 Feb 08
Hi perspectives, Once again you have come up with a great discussion. I have long admired Bishop Tutu, but haven't read the book you speak of, but the title says everything. He is truly an amazing man. I would also agree with Zen Master Dogen, some really good stuff here. I like the idea of waking up to the truth about reality. I think we may be on the verge of something because there are many new books coming out that suggest a change in thinking. May we all do our part to bring about a better, fairer and more compassionate society. Blessings.
2 people like this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Ah...thanks. I am always happy when a discussion hits a positive note with members...especially thoughtful ones like you Pose123. Yes Bishop Tutu is an amazing man...and such an inspiration.
I am glad you feel the same way about the concise but powerful presentation about reality and enlightenment. It is also very exciting to me to see the number of books that are presenting Eastern teachings and metaphysical perspectives. I have been been studying and opening myself to 'energy based awareness' for many years and used to feel like a lone voice in the wilderness.
Now with so many books and movies sharing more of these ideas about unity rather than polarity I think there are many light workers out there who are doing their part to bring about a better, fairer and more compassionate society...even though the media seems unwilling to underscore it. There is still a pathological fixation with fear and negativity being presented.
However, those of us who follow a different path "know with our Know" that it only takes one candle to light a darkened room. Being on Mylot has been a wonderful revelation to me. Now I know for sure there are many more candles shining brightly and casting light in positive spheres of influence all over the world. That has made my world feel like a warmer, cozier place. Even within the BRRRR factor of Manitoba temperatures...(chuckles.)
Anyway, great addition to the discussion. Thanks for you on-going interest and support.
Raia
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
18 Feb 08
Quite the heavy conversion for the morning Raia. :) It's amazing to me how we can know someone, even for a long time and not really know them at all.I have a friend who I have known for a long time and just recently I have begun to get to know him more in depth. I always had a feeling that he was a certain way and I have found out I was right which does a heart good. This relationship makes he and I feel more "human" every day.
"The world is no longer a room full of wary strangers but a vast cosmic BLOCK PARTY to which everyone and everything...is invited."
How true this is? That is if we let people and the experiences in. Too often we block people out for fear of getting to know them or maybe we think we just don't like them when we haven't given them the chance. If we would give everyone a "chance", we would gain a wealth of knowledge and relationships that could last a lifetime. I would defintely say that the world would be a better place. The hard part is making that happen, it's hard to make people feel or be concerned because life is moving so fast for most.
I do see the world like a block party- a realy fun one lately..who ever thought you could learn so much from a party?
2 people like this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Yes, it is a rather in depth discussion isn't it! However, one that I felt I wanted to start because of the inspiring content.
Thanks for taking a dive in and offering a really good example of how when we allow ourselves to give people a chance that other sides of them emerge. And yes, it is heartwarming to discover that an initial felt sense of someone turns out to be true.
Glad you liked the cosmic block party...that tickled me too. Your insights about 'getting over ourselves' enough to truly get to know another is something we all struggle with to varying degrees and at different times. As I have matured spiritually and emotionally I find it much easier to be genuine with people and hopefully create a safe enough emotional space that they are willing to risk that with me. But when we are open and honest with ourselves it is much easier to be that way with others.
Thanks for sharing your views..and I am happy to hear that you are enjoying a block party of fun in your corner of the world. That will undoubtedly create a positive ripple effect...because I truly believe that we are all chords within the One Song of life.
Great addition...Skinnychick...good to have you here and as a friend.
Raia
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Hello again...thanks for your warm welcome back. I am always happy to hear that my discussions get your 'thinker' going. That is the part of my work I love the best. Whether I am writing, life coaching, public speaking or leading groups...getting the thinkers going is a big perk for me. The response I receive from each of you has a similar effect on me too...so we have a good thing going here...sharing perspectives! Yep, that is the focus alright.
Best regards my friend!
Raia
1 person likes this
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
19 Feb 08
Thanks Raia! Glad to be here as well. I'm very glad your back I missed your discussions. They force me to think and evaluate I like that. Have a great one!
1 person likes this
@dodoguy (1292)
• Australia
19 Feb 08
Hi Perspectives,
It's enlightening to see the convergence of philosophy from disparate sources on this particular subject, which speaks to the endurance and fidelity of the matter - that is to say, if several bright minds from a variety of cultural backgrounds arrive at the same understanding of things, then there might just be some substance to their opinions.
I'd personally endorse the view that we're all connected - in ways that we're not able to see or understand in our normal, physical sense of the world. Time and space really are subjective illusions in a larger objective reality. And thoughts and words have more power than we think we know.
But knowing that we're all connected doesn't always resolve the problems that we can encounter or that people can cause - maybe in part because we're not always smart enough, wise enough or strong enough to set things on a right course.
As an example, quite aside from those who might be struggling or confused or trying to get back on their feet, some people seem to be basically bad, or at least so corrupted and predatory that it's hard to see how anyone would want to be connected to them.
So yes, we're all connected, but there's the Tree of Life that one would like to be connected to, with all that implies and embraces, and then there's an adverse side to reality which seeks to envelop us in its poisonous mischief.
Like most (if not all) things in this world, those influences for good and bad have both their proxies and their origins in a higher plane, forever active behind the tapestry of our material surroundings.
@dodoguy (1292)
• Australia
19 Feb 08
Hi Perspectives,
I've not seen the film that you mentioned, but will if I can.
A thought that springs to mind from your comment here is that there's strength in belonging, which establishes an unseen structure to stand upon in adversity.
It's peculiar how several people who seem to be in physical proximity can occupy such disparate realities, and vice versa.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Oh you will love the Bleep movie with your last comment here. It is a really fascinating exploration of physics, metaphysics..higher planes and how we do share similar resonances even when we think we are separate. Your mind and mine appears to run along some parallel tracks here. I'd love to hear your view on the Bleep movie if you find it. They did have a website...and if you key worded "what the Bleep Do we know anyway" you'd probably find some links. There were some fascinating experiments done with thought transferences into water. The docu-drama approach they took makes it quite entertaining as well as thought provoking.
Good chatting, thanks for keeping in touch.
Raia
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Ah...I love to read the wonderful, thoughtful, insightful and profoundly interesting workings of your mind dodoguy. You are anything BUT a dodo!!! I know you chose that name so people would not be intimidated by your intellect and your articulate way of expressing yourself. No flattery here...just a genuine level of respect.
What you have presented here resonates for me and I was wondering if you have seen the movie What the Bleep Do We Know Anyway? If you haven't you'd probably enjoy it in the light of your observations here.
I absolutely agree that the idea of being interconnected and that thoughts and words REALLY do have more power than what many understand or accept. Within my metaphysical view of most everything I agree that there are some that I would have trouble relating to in an up close and personal way. Nor would I willing invite their 'energies' into my space. However I think you have summed it up in your closing comments: "Influences for good and bad have both their proxies and their origins in a higher plane, forever active behind the tapestry of our material surroundings."
In my view we were given free will to CHOOSE how we will respond to whatever influences come into our lives. Will we use them to grow and become more 'enlightened?' Or, will we sink into lower levels?
Great addition to the discussion as always. Thanks!!
Raia
@Tetchie (2932)
• Australia
19 Feb 08
The Ubuntu Operating System is improving all the time. When I first saw this discussion it was the first thing I thought of as I associate the name Ubuntu with Linux. The Linux foundation is fantastic and supports open source software. Free software. The Linux foundation has 1000 times more integrity than Microsoft, in that it does not support a monopoly. It is for the people and now I understand why they use the word Ubuntu for their OS, it is very apt.
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Hello Yoshi...and welcome to Mylot. I am sorry I have no idea what your comments means. Did you read the discussion? I do not see anything 'horrible' in it anywhere. Perhaps you'd care to clarify your response?
Raia
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
18 Feb 08
Well hello there :) I"m gad to see you back here with us.
I know quite well that often real life commitments prevent us to come here, it happens to me too sometimes.
Now ubuntu, beautiful word, beautiful concept.
I"m not sure if it works with everyone but in essence seems to be what many of us feel. What one is certainly has a lot to do with the others around and the need to belong is part of each person.
THe idea of belonging this way. To be a part of a whole and strive to make it the best it can be is not new of course, but in this sense it is just something more than just that.
I really love the idea, I love the feeling at home no matter what I am, being able to share and learn, and I love the no walls concept.
2 people like this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Hi to you too...and thanks for your warm welcome. It doesn't surprise me that much of what the two authors of these ideas resonates for you. You already seem to have Ubuntu active in your life.
We do see a lot of it here on Mylot and that is what makes this site the special place it is.
Thanks for you input...look forward to chatting as we go!
Raia
@cordacs99 (15)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Sounds like being centered and balanced with the world around us. Some people look for it in religion, phylosophy. Some live it. I lkie the latter
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Hi and thanks for dropping by Cordacs. I agree with you...I have found far more in my philosophical studies than in organized religion.
I appreciate your input...we all have to do what works. The quotations in the discussion have received positive responses and I can see they are striking a high note with members as they did with me.
Raia
@Deea48 (1166)
• United States
19 Feb 08
I too feel the move or shift, I can only pray to unity as humans, not nations, not race, not religion, should divide what ultimately came from the same souce and in the end will return to that. Then when you take it to the next level of unity between humans, animals, earth, universe. Well the source truely is very vast and deep. All I know is that at this moment in my life success is know longer measured by how much money I make,or how I look. It is more measured by my imprint that I am leaving on earth, and who and what effects I had.
I have never heard of that word Ubuntu till tonight, I like it. Thanks for getting my mind moving*smiles*
1 person likes this
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
2 Mar 08
I appreciated your comments...both times. Darn double posts...they happen to me whenever Mylot times out and I re-do it again.
@Deea48 (1166)
• United States
19 Feb 08
I too feel the move or shift, I can only pray to unity as humans, not nations, not race, not religion, should devide what ultimately came from the same souce and in the end will return to that. Then when you take it to the next level of unity between humans, animals, earth, universe. Well the source truely is very vast and deep. All I know is that at this moment in my life success is know longer measured by how much money I make,or how I look. It is more measured by my imprint that I am leaving on earth, and who and what effects I had.
I have never heard of that work Ubuntu till tonight, I like it. Thanks for getting my mind moving*smiles*
@Perspectives (7131)
• Canada
19 Feb 08
Hi Deea..how wonderful to read your comments and know that we have become new Cyber friends. When I joined Mylot I stated a clear intention to the Universe that I wanted to connect with like minded others...and wow..was my order FILLED! I am glad the discussion got your 'thinker' going and I appreciate that you let me know it.
Yes, I love the term and wanted to share it with others here because I knew it would resonate with people like you. Your approach to life is akin to mine as well. I used to model and work in the fashion industry and produced and hosted my own talk shows on television. That world created a lot of concern about image management too.
When David and I moved to a small rural community it augmented my spiritual path and helped me get of the 'excess express' too. Thank you for your insightful comments..."I know is that at this moment in my life success is know longer measured by how much money I make,or how I look. It is more measured by my imprint that I am leaving on earth, and who and what effects I had." Those sentiments echo mine as well...and they are eloquently put!
Great having you here..
Raia
