Everyday Ubuntu: 3 reasons why doing the simple things in life can make a big difference

Keeley Ryan

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Ubuntu is an ancient Southern African philosophy about how to live life well, together . It is a belief in a universal human bond, which says: I am only because you are. And it means that if you can see everyone as fully human, connected to you by their humanity, you will never be able to treat others as disposable or without worth.

By embracing the philosophy of ubuntu it’s possible to overcome division and be stronger together in a world where the wise build bridges and the foolish build walls.

Everyday Ubuntu explores 14 beautifully illustrated lessons which are essential to help us all live better, together.

‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’ is a quote that is often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi. An inspiring concept, but how often have you felt that whatever you do, it won’t make a difference? At least,not one that really matters.

Will recycling one piece of rubbish have that much of an impact when you see so much other litter strewn in the street? Will showing up at a popular event really matter if, on the day, you can’t be bothered? Sometimes it’s easy to think our input won’t have any bearing on a situation, but such an outlook can lead us to feel pointless and lost. After all, if we don’t believe our actions will make a difference, it’s hard to have faith in the bigger picture.

When it comes to ubuntu, we all count and so does everything we do. Every single tiny act can snowball into something bigger. Even if it doesn’t appear to make an impact immediately, it’s the possibility that it can that makes it worth it. You never know what might happen until you try.

Showing up matters.

Often, at the end of a long day, we don’t feel like going out, doing that good turn we promised to do, or making that phone call we said we would make. However, if we try, we very often will reap the rewards of our actions. No matter how tired you are, always make the effort to do the things to which you’ve committed. Otherwise you’ll feel disappointed in yourself. We don’tneed to set tasks every day which will change the world or result in huge achievements. Small hurdles and littlechallenges all add up to something significant and oftengive the most pleasure.

Whatever we give we receive.

If you think something is missing in your life, then give that particular thing to someone else. An act of kindness will inevitably return to you, often in ways you least expect.

Think about the small things that make a difference.

Our impact on the environment is a good example. We can’t all be environmental activists, dedicating our lives to the cause, running campaigns and attending demonstrations, but we can all choose to recycle and stop wasting water, or cut down on meat and avoid taking unnecessary flights. If everyone does these little things it will lead to great change.

Everyday Ubuntu: Living Better Together, The African Way is available to buy now here.

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