A Village Is the People, Not the Place
Raising a child is a team effort. Mother, father, grandfather, grandmother, uncles, aunts, teachers, and caregivers all play an essential role in a child's life. And when the village comes together, the child thrives.
The village is not the place, it's the people.
A few generations ago, whether one was rich or poor, educated or illiterate, everyone had a village to count on. But not anymore. Today, most of us live far away from our parents and grandparents. Even if we wish to live close by, it's not easy. Our homes are smaller, lifestyles are different and our jobs can take us from one city to another. Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has upended our travelling habits. So, in these changing times, how do we recreate the togetherness of the village?
By "togetherness," I mean the togetherness of hearts. It's the kindred feeling of closeness we experience with loved ones. Togetherness is the soul of this book and it's expressed in the idea that humanity thrives when we nurture the bonds that connect us. And this nurturing begins in the family and continues in the village.
Where there is heart, there is love; and love strengthens togetherness.
The African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," conveys the idea of togetherness. Throughout this book, I share ideas and practices to rekindle that sense of connection, togetherness, of community in the modern setting. So whether you're an urban couple with bouncy toddlers, an iPad-ninja grandfather, or a diligent caregiver, this book helps you bring your heart into your relationships. And where there is heart, there is love; and love strengthens togetherness. I was blessed to experience such love in the village that raised me.
The Village Offered Togetherness and Support
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Does Fear Affect Our Roles as Mothers? - Neelam Shivhare explores some of the great ancient texts of India on motherhood, compares the behavior of Kaikayi and Yashoda
Neelam Shivhare explores some of the great ancient texts of India on motherhood, compares the behavior of Kaikayi and Yashoda, and realizes the importance of removing fear from our hearts in order to nurture our children.For young women like myself, who are future mothers, I trust we are on the path of becoming selfaware and brutally honest with ourselves. We are creative beings, never forgetting the gifts with which we have been bestowed— the love and tenderness, natural instincts, and intuition to feel the right path. It all lies in the mysterious meanderings of the heart. Are we really listening to our hearts, or confusing the bombarding information on social media with reality?
Aging Gracefully - For a few months now I have been asking the question, “How to age gracefully?”
Victor Kannan explores the process of aging, with a focus on aging gracefully. How can you be at peace with yourself as old age approaches? How can you develop maturity in behavior and focus on life’s best interests?
Portrait Painting
FABIO KOHLER is an artist and musician.
The Mountain of No Return
SARA BUBBER tells a beautiful Japanese folktale on valuing wisdom and experience and asks you to do a personal reflective exercise.
By Acts of Love
CHRISTINE PRISLAND shares her love of books, good storytelling, and a particular author that inspires and delights her
The Difference Between Trust and Respect
DR. ICHAK ADIZES shares some thoughts on the nature of mutual trust and respect, and why we can trust without respecting, and respect without trusting.
A SIMPLE WAY TO IMPROVE Your Health and the Health of the Planet
DAAJI explains why a plantbased diet is good for your health and well-being, and for the planet. Some of the reasons may surprise you. Yogic science is very comprehensive on this subject, and now medical science is catching up. Daaji then challenges us all to do an experiment for three months.
International Cities of Peace
J. FREDERICK ARMENT is in conversation with CHRISTINE JONES about his organization, International Cities of Peace, as well as other ways he promotes peace in the world. The foundation of it all is the importance of relationship, community, and love. This is the first of a series of conversations.
THE SEEKER OF KNOWLEDGE
SARA BUBBER shares a story from the Upanishads about knowledge, communication, truthfulness, and courage. She then gives us a few reflections and an activity to connect with Nature.
Serving Smiles: FROM HEART TO TABLE
NIROOP PRABHAKAR owns and runs the restaurant 615chutney in Nashville, Tennessee. 615chutney started as the only Indian food truck serving vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free South Indian food. Niroop's goal was to bring South Indian cuisine to the US. He believes that customer service is the key. The voices of his customers and employees matter to him. Here he is interviewed by the Heartfulness Wellness team.
