Ubuntu: I am, because you are

Ubuntu is a South African idea about the connectedness of humanity.

“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.”
— Desmond Tutu

Our human nature yearns for a community where we co-exist harmoniously with mutual respect and equal value for each person’s life.

Instead of leaders and followers, let us embrace all as equals: elders and children; all genders, orientations and ages; people of wisdom and skills of varied abilities; protectors and visionaries; caregivers and artists.

Every human has a place among the needs of a collective humanity. No individual is more or less important than another.

In karmic principles, the idea of “what goes around, comes around” is often seen in terms of negative consequences to evil actions.

Ubuntu focuses on the goodness of mankind. All the wonderful things we desire for ourselves, are also desired and shared with all human beings.

With Ubuntu, there is peace, love, kindness and freedom for all.

Ubuntu: I am, because you are © November 21, 2015 | Annie Zalezsak

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Borders and Beliefs

I am a first generation Canadian, a daughter of European immigrants after World War II.

I am also a nomad by nature. I believe that as long as I’m a good person and comply with local law, I should have the right to live anywhere I choose.

As the world debates, should we, shouldn’t we, for and against taking in refugees, let’s remember that this earth belongs to us all.

Every human being born on the planet has a right to a place to exist peacefully and harmoniously. Those blessed with such an existence have the capacity to share it. What decent human being would not share their bounty with someone suffering and in need?

“There but for the grace of God, go I.”

I understand fear and mistrust. The fact is, there is sickness among us. We can take all the precautions we want; it may still slip through. Do we turn our backs on tens of thousands, for fear there may be an evil thought among them?

Well, lock yourself up, and live nothing of a life, if you require that protection. Life is risk. All life is always at risk.

But life also has power and strength. It prevails. It goes on. Fruitfully.

Let’s focus on doing what is right for the human race. Instead of shutting people out, let’s unite and embrace and uplift.

Let’s give those that have made no mistakes, a chance at survival. They may actually bring us all a whole lot of good.

“So let us work for peace within our families and society, and not expect help from God, Buddha or the governments,” said the Dalai Lama. “The problems that we are facing today are the result of superficial differences over religious faiths and nationalities. We are one people.”

Borders and Beliefs © November 18, 2015 | Annie Zalezsak

Acts of Peace

France’s president, François Hollande, called the November 13, 2015 attack on Paris an “act of war”. The Mirror states France dropped over 20 bombs on Raqqa, Syria.

“Anti-ISIS activists in Syria claim a stadium, a museum, medical clinics and a political building have been hit after France launched airstrikes in retaliation for the Paris terror attack.”

I am bewildered.

Amid Paris peace-symbols, candle-lit prayers, and civilians everywhere expressing compassion for humanity, politicians are taking actions that not only impact the bad, but escalates harm on the good.

Pockets of evil may be taken out, but at what risk to rights, freedoms – and lives – of those who have been at peace? What good is it, if for every bad guy, a hundred good ones are also taken out?

Humanity hasn’t yet achieved perfect loving consciousness. Evil-doers live everywhere. We’ve seen how a new terrorist group shows up just when we thought we got rid of the previous one. Let’s not perpetuate evil.

There has to be a better response. I don’t know what that is. But what I do know, is that the vast majority of people are good, kind and want peace. We don’t want to live in fear, or be at war. Peace begets peace. Love begets love. This is the inherent nature of a newborn baby, untainted by the mental illness that drives hate and war.

This is a call for all to forgive acts of war.

Let us move forward in Acts of Peace!

Acts of Peace © November 16, 2015 | Annie Zalezsak