Rhythm

My last bit of writing focussed on paradox and I suggested at the end that perhaps we should use this to help us consider where exactly we are heading - individually and together. Seen and unseen, we all need rhythm so that we can time our own progress as we endeavour to better ourselves.



We need a measurement to evaluate our progress - something greater than ourselves that will be able to predetermine certain goals that are not necessarily tangible. We seek it in many different things on this planet and so few actually find it. Those that have found their own unique rhythm are unfazed by the rhythm of this world - the fast, unrelenting pace set by the herd. The clamour of hooves around us can be deafening, distracting, and even deadly. We are not all the same and risking being different is sometimes life threatening.

Even in our post-modern society where the universal has been replaced by subjective pluralism where truth has become something we determine ourselves and it becomes near impossible to establish unifying, protective principles that are relevant for all of us. In this environment the ones that truly stand for others and an over-arching sense of responsibility to which each of us are equally accountable are the ones that seem to bring conformity, restriction, or even dominance. Once again we have a situation of paradox where ignoring the rules brings restriction, division, and pain. Welcoming the universal truths, principles, and rules brings freedom.

To solve problems we need to go back to the root of the problem not just the bad fruits. Take our current situation in South Africa with our constitution (I know this example is controversial): we have one of the most liberal constitutions in the world that tries to ensure that we all have equal rights. My question is that in trying to ensure that everybody is as "free" as possible we ignore interdependence and focus on independence. I.e: "I don't need you and stay out of my way - it's my right" rather than: "I acknowledge that we have to rely on one another to be significant and I am willing to sacrifice to ensure that all of us are better off". Do we have leaders that stand up for justice no matter what or is it merely a power struggle between the power hungry?

The legacy of servant leadership of Nelson Mandela is fading and we are substituting it for self-centeredness which is protected by our constitution! We need to find a rhythm that unites us and we need drummers to lead us. Rhythm with room for everyone to add their personal style.