Welcome to Tuesday Musings. Hi, I’m Juli (Peaceful Healer) and in today’s podcast we are shining a light on the meaning of Ubuntu, through storytelling and breathwork.
So let’s begin.
Take a deep breath in… and slowly let it go.
Again, breathe in deeply… feeling the air expand within you… and exhale softly, letting go of any tension.
One more time, a slow, steady breath in… and a gentle release.
As you settle into this moment, I invite you to imagine something simple yet profound: You are not alone.Even when you feel isolated, unseen, or unheard… there is an invisible web that connects you to others.
There is a word for this… Ubuntu.
An ancient African philosophy, Ubuntu means “I am because we are.” It speaks to the deep truth that our well-being is woven together.
Today, let’s journey into the heart of Ubuntu—a story, a reflection, and a practice to embody this connection.
The Village of Ubuntu
Now, let me tell you a story…
There was once a small village, nestled between rolling hills and vast open skies. It was not a wealthy village—not in money, at least. But it was rich in something far greater: community.
In this village, when one person had food, everyone ate. When one person was sick, the whole village cared for them. And when one person was sad, others gathered around, sharing stories, laughter, and love.
One day, a visiting anthropologist arrived, carrying a basket of sweet fruit. He decided to conduct a little experiment.
He called the village children together and said, “Let’s play a game! I will place this basket under that tree. When I give the signal, run as fast as you can. Whoever reaches the basket first gets to keep all the fruit”
The children nodded, eyes gleaming with excitement. He gave the signal.
But instead of running as individuals, something surprising happened.
The children took each other’s hands—and ran together.
They reached the basket at the same time, sat in a circle, and shared the fruit equally, laughing and smiling.
The anthropologist, puzzled, asked, “Why didn’t you race against each other? One of you could have had all the fruit!”
A young girl looked up at him and said, “Ubuntu! How can one of us be happy if the others are sad?”
And in that moment, he understood.
Ubuntu was not just a word. It was a way of life.
Reflection: The Energy We Share
Let’s just take a moment to reflect…
What would our world look like if we truly lived this way?If we saw one another not as strangers, but as part of our own circle?If we celebrated each other’s successes as our own?
Ubuntu reminds us that no one heals alone. When we uplift others, we uplift ourselves.
When we breathe in love, we exhale fear.
When we extend kindness, it ripples outward in ways we may never see.
And so, let’s practice this… together.
The Ubuntu Breath
I invite you to place a hand over your heart.
Breathe in deeply… feel the air filling your lungs.
Now, as you exhale, imagine sending a breath of kindness to someone who needs it—a friend, a stranger, even yourself.
Again, inhale… filling your body with the energy of connection.
Exhale… releasing warmth and care into the world.
Now, let’s try a rhythm that embodies Ubuntu: The 4-2-9 Breath.
* Inhale for 4 counts… feeling the life force connecting you to all living things.
* Hold for 2 counts… letting that energy settle within.
* Exhale for 9 counts… slowly sending love, peace, and connection outward.
Let’s do this together:
Inhale… 1, 2, 3, 4…Hold… 1, 2…Exhale… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9…
Again… Inhale… hold… and a long, slow exhale.
One more time… breathing in the spirit of Ubuntu.
And breathing out kindness into the world.
As we gently return to this moment, I invite you to carry this feeling with you.
Today, let’s practice Ubuntu in small, simple ways:
* A kind word to someone who needs it.
* A deep breath before reacting.
* A moment of gratitude for those who support us, seen and unseen.
Remember: Your presence, your energy, and your kindness have an impact.
Because I am because we are.
May we walk forward today knowing that none of us are alone.
Take one more deep, peaceful breath… and when you’re ready, gently open your eyes.
Thank you for being here.
Namaste
Peaceful Healer
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