Chika Norah Udezue BA, Dip HRD, M.Ed, JP (UK)
Those who read my writeup for Harmony 2, held in 2023, might think that I am obsessed with the late American philosopher, Carl Sagan. My writing was based on his pale blue dot, commonly known as the earth, and our responsibilities in it. Sagan emphasized the minuteness of the earth, compared to the cosmos, to show the insignificance of humans, their conflicts and divisiveness.
I am a grandmother of ten amazing grandchildren. That should make me happy and fill me with endless joy. So, why do I worry about the legacy those from my generation is leaving for them? Why do I look and despair? As the saying goes, “things ain’t what they used to be.” Turn the television on, and it is all gloom and doom. If it is not global warming, it is famine. If it is not recession, it is war, if it is not unnecessary shooting and killing, it is the loss of that value for life that makes us human. Sometimes, I wonder if animals in the wild are better than we are! They kill for sustenance while we kill “just for the heck of it.” Like the singer, Al Green, I ask, “why can’t we live together?” And please do not tell me that there have been wars, famines, killings, and recession through the ages and always will be. We can make a difference.
Like Sagan, let us with one voice, call for a sense of responsibility for our earth and kindness to all. OK, I agree that kindness to all might be utopian, but we can at least try. With a shared purpose, we can make this small earth big and good enough for all.
To be able to care for the world and others though, we need to lighten up on ourselves. That will enable us to work from inside out. When we take time to replenish our spirit, it allows us to serve others from the overflow, as we cannot serve from an empty vessel. It seems hard to find time for oneself these days. We fail to realize the need for rejuvenation and rest, making ourselves prone to fatigue both mentally and physically.
Harmony 3 is mostly about getting it right with self and it is good for the soul. It is about life beyond pills; our faith; sense of belonging, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It is about ensuring that our body and soul are in tune with the universe. A calm mind makes the world not too serious after all. It helps us to understand and accept that the world is good enough and big enough for all.
To sum up, my vision for Harmony is self-love and care, appreciation, and belief in oneself. This would lead to less hostility, competitiveness, less individual grab-of-what-should-be-for-all, and peace. As we live for today, let us be aware of tomorrow and our legacy for our grandchildren and their children’s children. We must ensure that this small blue dot does not vanish when we do. That will be a heinous crime.