Ubuntu - I Am Me Because You Are You

By Alice O'Brien

Churchview Psychotherapy, Millstreet

Have you heard of Ubuntu? You will need to dust off your knowledge of ancient African words for this one. Ubuntu is a word or a term from African culture; it may not be a word that can be literally translated but its concept means humanity, often translated as ‘I am because you are’. Or there is no community without you and no you without community.

Principles of Ubuntu include values, community, respect, coresponsibility, and social justice. A society that honours the ideas of Ubuntu can only be a good thing. So, where would you find Ubuntu in the lush fields of Duhallow? Do we have to search the plains of Africa for it? The answer is no, Ubuntu is all around us. Just this week the tidy towns committee could be seen out picking rubbish and clearing hedges, or the local school children in Banteer got together and planted trees, trees that will be enjoyed by the generations that will come along after them. If that’s not Ubuntu, then what is?

So, how can you practice Ubuntu in your daily life?

• Acknowledge the uniqueness of others and show them respect. We all differ, in values, in opinions, in viewpoints, but we can all respect each other- there is space for us all.

• Show generosity in community in whatever way you can- maybe you don’t have time to join the tidy towns, but you can take home your own litter. All efforts can add up to a greater cause, a better community.

• Show kindness to others in whatever way you can. Thank the postman, wave at your neighbour, smile at the passing jogger. You never know the effects your kind gesture may have on someone who is not feeling well or having a bad day.

To conclude, Ubuntu is the belief that we are all defined by our compassion and kindness towards others, show kindness to receive kindness. So, bringing more African principles to the dales of Duhallow can only help us all.