Ubuntu

“I am because you are, you are because I am” or “Ubuntu” in the Xhosa and Zulu language meaning “the interconnectedness of humanity” 

 Our elders are what keep us connected, rooted and attuned with ourselves. Historically our elders were considered invaluable to our growth and understanding of self in community. Unfortunately modern society has fallen far from preserving this human necessity. We find evidence of this when we look at the deplorable, and unsafe facilities that we throw our elders into, from which so often is the beginning of their demise. We all have to commit to changing these patterns of destruction by providing a safe, caring, respectful, authentic and supportive environment for our elders. We should bring back ritual, griots, and natural medicines. Their inner wisdom, ancestral lineage and spiritual knowing should be honored, respected and shared within community. The benefits can provide self fulfilling preservation as we learn more about ourselves through their eyes, and they through ours.  

~Zaire King, MA, LMFT