By Eve Bell

I came across this concept a while ago and it has stuck in my mind.

It is African philosophy that translates to ‘I am because we are’.

It stopped me in my tracks.

It’s about how our personal wellbeing is deeply connected with the wellbeing of others. It’s a way of living that encourages living simply, valuing human connections over material possessions, and nurturing a sense of belonging and collective well-being.

Individualism

Our modern world is increasingly individualistic. With the advancement of technology, we are hyper-connected digitally but increasingly disconnected physically. Which is damaging our collective mental health.

Then there is the constant push to buy more and own more, which feeds into the idea that we are what we buy.

This leads to people needing to work for longer hours and having less leisure time. Consequently, traditional community structures can break down leading to a disconnection from your neighbours and local neighbourhood.

The Benefits of Embracing Ubuntu

We can all in small ways embrace the principles of Ubuntu and nurture a more connected way of life:

1. Building Stronger Communities: Ubuntu encourages us to spend time in our communities. This can be as simple as getting to know our neighbours, participating in local events, or supporting community initiatives. Strong communities provide a support network and a sense of belonging.
2. Relationships > Possessions: Instead of chasing ‘stuff’, Ubuntu teaches us to put more value on our relationships. Spending quality time with family and friends, being present, and showing care and empathy can lead to a deeper sense of fulfilment and happiness.
3. Practicing Mutual Care: Helping others and accepting help in return strengthens our bonds and enhances our collective well-being. Acts of kindness, volunteer work, and supporting those in need are all ways to practice Ubuntu.
4. Embracing Simplicity: By focusing on what truly matters – our connections with others – we can simplify our lives. This might mean decluttering our homes, reducing our digital consumption, or cutting back on work hours to spend more time with loved ones.
5. Cultivating Empathy and Understanding: Ubuntu encourages us to see the humanity in everyone. By practicing empathy and understanding, maybe we can bridge divides, resolve conflicts, and create a more compassionate world.

Easy Steps

To integrate Ubuntu into our daily lives, we can start with small, intentional actions:

• Reach Out: Make an effort to connect with someone each day, whether it’s a family member, friend, or neighbour. A simple conversation can make a huge difference.
• Give Back: Volunteer your time or resources to help those in need. Community service is a powerful way to practice mutual care.
• Be Present: When you’re with others, be fully present. Put away distractions and focus on the person in front of you.
• Simplify: Evaluate your lifestyle and identify areas where you can simplify. This might mean reducing your possessions, cutting back on screen time, or prioritising experiences over things.
• Practice Gratitude: Regularly reflect on the people and relationships that enrich your life. Express gratitude to those around you and acknowledge the role they play in your well-being.

Ubuntu teaches us that true wealth comes not from material possessions, but from our relationships and our connections with others.

The steps to change only have to be small and even if you embrace one of these principles, you have made a ripple.

And all ripples lead to change.