How Are We?
Photo by Sarah Hannigan
I've been reading The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, a conversation between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. How is it that these two people who have known so much suffering are still joyful?
I'm most intrigued by their conviction that joy comes from being of benefit to others. I must admit, this is not my first impulse. When I'm feeling unhappy I tend to focus only on what's not working for ME, and I believe that if I just take better care of myself I will be happy.
This week’s question: “How are we?” is what people in South African villages ask each other upon meeting. It stems from a philosophy of Ubuntu that says “a person is a person through other people.” We literally owe our selfhood to others. When those around us suffer, we suffer. When those around us are well, we are well. It is then, it seems, in our best interest to attend to the well-being of others. Think about your household, your workplace, your town, your nation, your world...then ask yourself: How are we?
