#2: Ubuntu
Hello fellow self,
Thank you for being here. Without you I would have nothing to reflect. Without each other, life would be pretty meaningless. I remind myself this often because it’s certainly easy to get caught up in my own reflection. Me, me, me… what do I have to say about all this? What am I creating?
But these thoughts are not mine alone, they belong to us.
The good news is for us city dwellers; there is no shortage of people, “peopling”. NYC provides an abundant variety of human mirrors, each equipped with their own identities, attitudes and culture. If you allow yourself the freedom to reflect with a stranger you might see things you wish you hadn’t, or maybe you see something fresh, gain a new perspective or insight. It’s not always good news but it can provide a chance to see yourself a bit differently.
Thats you out there, just seeking peace like everyone else.
These thoughts are the reflection of working with someone who I believe is doing an exceptional job at asking tough questions and plunging deep into personal matters to better understand our world. Brit Phelan, filmmaker and photographer is fulfilling the artist duty to reflect the times, uncovering truths about acceptance, belonging and love for all. Her confidence behind the lens allows real, authentic conversations to be had and intimate opportunities to see ourselves and dissolve our differences.
Though only friends for a short time, Brit and I have put together some fun work and im grateful to share it with you.
BE THE REAL
It’s the reason we met, the project that first brought Brit into my life. A mutual friend of ours who knew that Brit was building a collection of people whom would be the start to an ongoing documentary, centered around re-connecting with community after our time in isolation. Their kindness in recommending me to Brit is to thank for the opportunity to share my ideas.
“Be the Real features a range of unique individuals in their most honest moments” - Brit Phelan
A quote taken from the opening page of the book recently published that compiles the first batch of us.
The format of BTR consists of interviews focused around authentic conversations about life and humanity. During the time we shared, Brit and I unpacked the struggles we face in a modern world to connect with one another and the importance of equality. We talked about patience, kindness, acceptance, and the conditionings we wish to shed. We decided that these daily disciplines allow us to see others more clearly, so we can listen more attentively and therefore provide a better, more loving mirror for our fellow selves.
Me=We. That’s ubuntu!
In order to really understand humanity, and the value of our own identity, one must remember that who WE are is shaped and defined by our relationships and our interactions with others. We are constantly co-creating with one another, our existence intertwined endlessly. Isolation is not in our nature, interconnected we remain, merely tiny little slices in a much, much larger pie.
Thank you Brit for including me in your work, I encourage anyone reading this to take a deeper look into the links listed below.
Peace and Love, pass it on!
