Wednesday, November 21, 2012

When someone in our "civilized" society steals

“In its highest form, not judging is the ultimate act of forgiveness.”
― John Kuypers

 

Circle_of_love : the world in humen hands making a symbol of love Stock Photo

 

 When someone in our "civilized" society steals, lies or hurts someone, we "help" them by punishing them . . . which, when you think about it, is crazy . . .

But I recently heard a story how a tribe deep in the heart of Africa handles such offenses, and it moved me deeply.

You see, whenever someone in this village of a few hundred people steals or causes someone severe harm, the victimizer is brought to the centre of the village and everyone joins hands to form a circle around him or her.

Then, one by one, they each take turns telling the perpetrator what they love and appreciate about them, saying things like . . .

. . ."I appreciate you and how you helped me build my hut the other day . . ."

. . ."You are a great provider and a mighty warrior . . ."

. . ."You are fun and my children love playing with you . . ."

. . ."I love how you do your work with such joy . . ."

And sometimes it's an authentic "I love you" that has been known to bring streams of tears to the eyes of the most hardened person in the centre of the circle.

What's amazing is that this goes on for hours until everyone in the village has had a chance to contribute.

Then, as an amazing symbol of unity . . .

When the last person has said their peace, they open a space in the circle, inviting the person to join them in their rightful place as part of the whole.

They say they do this because they believe that the person in the centre of the circle has just temporarily forgotten who they are. And by reminding them of their greatness they can be healed.

Wouldn't it be amazing if you could have a healing circle like that to help you remember your greatness too?

That no matter what crime you feel you've committed against yourself or another person you could be released without any judgment...

And where everyone in the circle only sees you're highest good?

~Adoley Oduntun

 

 Judgment : Law and justice concept, gavel  Stock Photo“A judgment with an evil design comes about when we compare a person to our pre-conceived beliefs about what is right or wrong and then condemn that person.”
― John Kuypers

 

 Snowball : snowball in white back with shadow“Judgments are like a snowball. They stick to you. As time rollsAvalanche : snow avalanche Stock Photo along, the snowball becomes a boulder and then an avalanche.”― John Kuypers

 

Circle_of_love : sign - symbolizes love, friendship and mutual“Non-judgment quiets the internal dialogue, and this opens oncCircle_of_love : Hands forming a circle shape on white background , teamwork and protection conceptual Stock Photoe again the doorway to creativity.”― Deepak Chopra

 

 

Analyse : Analyse word on white keyboard

P.S: All our lives …..especially the formative years…we are taught to analyse…draw conclusions based on what is right and what is wrong.Right Wrong : Tick and cross cartoon

It is not surprising that we grow up to be highly judgmental of everyone and everything……including our selves.

Circle_of_love : United hands isolated on white background

We have a lot to learn from indigenous/ tribal cultures.

Circle_of_love : sign of love, peace and friendship - love will save the world

What if we could learn to rise above judgment ?

 Thank you for visiting the TREASURE TROVE today.

Namaste,

Bhagya

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