It's another New Year... Welcome 2014!
I heard a story today ... I'm going to add it verbatim:
I found this simple story to be one of the wisest and most insightful stories that I have heard in a while.
In South Africa, (I believe in the Babemba tribe) when a person acts irresponsibly or unjustly, he is placed in the center of the village, alone and unrestricted. All work in the village comes to a complete halt.
Everyone in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused individual. Then each person in the tribe speaks to the accused person, one at a time. Each recalls the good things that the person in the center of the circle has done in his lifetime. Every incident, every experience that can be recalled is recounted in full detail. All his strengths, his good qualities, any good deeds he has performed, and all kindness that he has shown are recited carefully and at length.
This goes on for several days. Only after every man, woman, and child has had a chance to speak with the accused that the ceremony is complete. At the end, the tribal circle is broken, a joyous celebration takes place, and the person is symbolically welcomed back into the tribe.
There's certainly a lot to learn from the Bahemba tribe about the art of forgiveness and letting go.
Is a very nice idea - trouble is there is no Babemba Tribe in South Africa. There is no evidence that this custom ever existed. The truth is that a story as such can be quickly spread over the internet even if it's unverified.
However in the spirit of celebrating the new... I am considering the idea. So, instead of frustration, anger, hostility and or sickness I am willing to practice the theory. Forgiveness is a wonderful thing and allowing people know the wonderful things they are will be awesome.
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