Ubuntu (oo-boon-too, n.) means, “I am because we are.” Ubuntu is a Zulu or Xhosa word, and a traditional African concept. It is a term for humaneness, for caring, sharing, and being in harmony with all of the creation. In the Zulu language, the expression is umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu which translates as ‘a person is a person through other persons’Now what’s striking about this concept or word, you may ask? Let me narrate a story…
An anthropologist was doing her research on a tribe in a remote African village. The research lasted a few weeks and she got attached to the people, especially the young children of the tribe.
She collected a bag of candies and goodies from her belongings and put it in a bag under the tree. She called the children and told them – “let’s play a game.” She drew a line about 100 meters from the tree and asked the children to line up. She explained to the children that it was a race and whoever ran the fastest would win the bag of candies from under the tree. She instructed them to start running as soon as she gave them the signal – “on your mark, get set, goes…”.
The children waited for her signal and then something strange happened! To her surprise, instead of running for the candy, the children held hands and walked together towards the bag of candies! Once they reached, they sat in a circle, distributed the candies evenly, and ate them while talking to each other.
The anthropologist asked them – “Why didn’t you run? The person who ran fastest would have won the entire bag of candies.” A young girl looked up innocently and replied – “How can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?” Although the anthropologist had been studying the ubuntu African tribe for weeks, she understood the culture and its essence from the behavior of these children. The children were practicing “Ubuntu.”Incorporating simple daily practices such as meditation, reflective journaling, and intentional living helps us release mental clutter, align with our true purpose, and cultivate emotional balance. Mindfulness sharpens our awareness, while devotion strengthens focus and resilience. Together, these practices create a foundation for meaningful growth and a life that feels both intentional and fulfilling.