Today, July 18, 2013, we wish THE Nelson Mandela a joyous birthday. We wish him light and love and peace and many tomorrows to come. Our hero has been in the hospital for quite some time now; we wish him well.
Mandiba: Holding space for compassion and forgiveness
by Irmina Ulysse
Family feuds make good headlines. So, as Nelson Mandela remains in the hospital, the media has been fraught with negative news about the turmoil within his family.
Some of us may find ourselves wondering, what kind of people would judge and criticize during what could be this man’s final moments with us? Or some of us may find ourselves becoming increasingly agitated, thinking how his daughters, family, extended family, South Africa could allow this to happen. Why can’t people control themselves? This is such an embarrassment to the country, etc.
Who are they? Who are the ones we call them? And why are we so focused on them? Why do we cling to something we cannot control–something that can fuel only discord and disconnection?
Why are we not holding the spiritual space of healing instead? Isn’t that what Nelson Mandela continues to stand for?
In spite of what the “mass energy” might have us feeling, we still all have a choice. Isn’t that one of Mandela’s teachings: to find and choose the path less traveled?
We can focus on the behavior of those around him and how much we disapprove. We can focus on the media and how much we disapprove. We can allow our emotions to spiral downwards and fuel discontent, hate, and anger in a sometimes discontented, hateful, and angry world. Or we can choose differently.
Practice compassion, forgiveness and stay centered in your light during this time, even if you think you might be the only one. We human beings are capable of great compassion and grace: He told us this. He has practiced compassion and grace for his entire life. He has taught us. That lesson may very well be his last and greatest gift to us.
I am grateful for the work Nelson Mandela managed to accomplish. He suffered greatly for his beliefs, but did not allow the suffering to deter him from bringing about the end of a vicious system that tore men and women apart literally. What a hero Nelson Mandela is! May he celebrate the happiest of birthdays! I know you wish him well, too.
Irmina Ulysse doesn’t write for VoicesfromHaiti too often. She is a busy-busy healthcare professional. When you meet her, however, she is always ready with a kind word and a recipe for some cool dish. She respects deeply those whose contributions bring about a shift in society. Nelson Madela is a Chef-d’oeuvre, an international treasure for the innumerable examples he set before us all. Wishing Nelson Mandela a Happy Birthday on VoicesfromHaiti was an honor.