Random Acts of Kindness: Embracing Our Culture as One

Let me ask you a question: Have you ever wondered why some cultures greet each other differently? Why in some parts of the world, a handshake isn't just a handshake, but a whole conversation?

I didn't. Not really. Not until I left the comfort of my Durban bubble and stepped into the fast-paced world of Johannesburg.

You see, growing up, I was surrounded by these little gestures. People give things with both hands, greeting each other with palms pressed together. But here's the kicker - I never stopped to ask why. It was just... normal.

?????? ???????????? ??????'?? ???????????? ????????????????????, ???? ?????

Giving with Both Hands: The act of giving or receiving something by holding the object in your right hand while your left-hand touches your right forearm.

It wasn't until I was sitting with a colleague one day, curiosity finally getting the better of me, that I asked about these gestures. And let me tell you, what I learned changed everything.

These weren't just habits. They were a language. A language of respect, of presence, of ???????????? - '?? ???? ?????????????? ???? ??????.'

Imagine that. Every time someone gives you something with both hands, they're not just handing you an object. They're saying, "I see you. I respect you. This moment matters."

Credit: @Paballo Legoabe for these words of wisdom:
"This generates a compelling energy that inspires confidence and a sense of doing the right thing. When your intentions and actions are aligned, it holds a genuine internal love and appreciation. This conscious form of giving eliminates feelings of obligation and expectations from others. In prayer, using both hands to show gratitude is a powerful way to express reverence and appreciation."        

Bringing Your Hands Together in Greeting: The act of locking both palms together in greeting.

And when someone greets you with pressed palms? They're not just saying hello. They're acknowledging your humanity, your worth, without saying a word.

Credit: @Paballo Legoabe for these words of wisdom:
"It's a beautiful sign of respect, humility, and sincerity in many cultures. It's a way to show reverence towards the person being greeted and signifies a special connection and mutual respect. Greeting with both hands together conveys warmth, sincerity, and openness without the need for words, showing that the greeter truly values the interaction. For me, it's centered in the practice of Ubuntu and truly defines the 'I am because you are' concept."        

But here's where it gets really interesting. When I started using these gestures myself, something magical happened. People noticed. They smiled. They connected.

I remember standing in a pharmacy, receiving medication with both hands. The pharmacist looked at me, curious, and asked why I did that. "I embrace the culture of our people," I told him. The smile he gave me? That was Ubuntu in action.

So why am I telling you this? In a world where we're constantly looking for the next big thing to change our lives, to make us successful, and to bring us happiness, we might be overlooking the small things that can transform our everyday interactions.

These gestures cost nothing. They take no extra time. But they have the power to change everything.

Imagine a workplace where every interaction starts with this level of respect and presence. Imagine a society where we all acknowledged each other's humanity in every greeting.