Western medicine and traditional medicine
For some unknown reason, we have assumed that there is competition between these two instead of looking for the co-existence which if found, will lead to better health and healing for all peoples. There are certain treatments which are invasive and aggressive which can best be done in western medical facilities. On the other hand african medicine can bring about healing in a more gentle and non-invasive manner which when combined is able to facilitate better healing. This extends beyond African medicine though. Indigenous healing methods throughout the world are portrayed as inferior to the western medicines and yet there are plenty of examples where combining the two works brilliantly. We need to start investing energy in exploring this aspect of complementaty therapy rather than alternative therapy.
Masculine and Feminine Instincts
Firstly, I am not talking sex and sexuality here. That is another aspect which I am not covering. Here there are instinctive responses which if defined would either be masculine or feminine in nature. For instance an aggressive, ambitious drive as relates to ones career whould be considered masculine. The instinct to nurture children and a home would be considered feminine. Yet both these impulses are found in both men and women at different times. The human struggle begins when you want to fight either instinct on the mistaken assumption that its not a woman's place to be ambitious and career orientated or that its not a man's place to want to look after children.
Understanding the way amadlozi are with each of us, we should stop assigning roles based on biology because the spirit of a person contains both male and female aspects. The way the balance is achieved within each of us is less about what physical characteristics we have and more about the spiritualy characteristics that we have. If we are more embracing of this, a more natural role definition arises even within the home and we stop acting according to sterotypes even within relationships.
Established religion and African Spirituality
My biggest struggle as someone who grew up Anglican and thus practices Christianity is this feeling that there cannot be a co-existence between my spiritualy beliefs and those of my church. However, on closer inspection, you find that there are many convergences in belief. For instance at certain times of the year there is a day called All Saints/Souls Day. This is a service of remembereance of those who have died. In addition, there are Thanksgiving services which are held. Churches even hold healing services now where there is a laying of hands for the healing of sicknesses and disease. This for me is a lot like someone who has iSituynwa who would pray for the sick, bless water etc,etc.
Embrace the difference
It is important that we embrace the differences and find ways of living more in balance with what is a natural cycle of life. The more we push against natural impulses and states of being, the more conflict there is in our lives, our homes, our families and our communities. Philani
