The amaziness of living in a developing country is that you actually get to see what really goes on under the Iceberg model, the one they teach you at university during your consumer behavior class. Applied to societal dynamics, you see real people, unfiltered, as they are, with their most pressing physiological needs, the ones that you have studied during your psychology class in high school explained through the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs.
You see how people are, how we all are, what we need, what we are, what we want, what we dream, what we want to become. I imagine it is a huge eye-opening experience for everyone who has the opportunity to come on this side of the world.
With that said, I can guarantee that there are truly many things to do out here. Apart from the human and huge emotional experience that work and life here take out of you and your human energies, everyone around you look, ask, stop you, there is also a huge sense of giving back and making a real impact because your actions are based upon the true observation of reality. As Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C. quoted “Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”
I think because of family and education some people are just naturally curious to go out there and discover the world, what there is and to do something to make the world a little bit a better place, with good intentions, big smile, huge motivation, determination to do the right thing and patience to slowly see the improvements of the tiny seeds we plant during our “chemin”– life path.
These kind of people are stubborn and they have strong courage, they know what they want and, despite all “NOs” of family and interrogative questions by all types of friends and relatives, they just take their bag and go. They want to see, they want to make a good use of their eyes. And, if needed, finally drastically and heavily hit the pure and bitter reality.
However, for Impatient Optimists and tireless visionaries, thinking of Bill and Melinda Gates, or at Steve Jobs, and millions of other travelers, artists, singers, idealists, human rights advocates, ordinary people who believe that life has equal value for everyone, and that everyone should deserve respect, kindness and listening, oh well, welcome to the club and i think the boat can be still full of dreams, big actions and space for improvement and learning.
Today after work I bumped into a young Senegalese student, Abdul, 15 years old boy, with a cap, a school bag, and some water in a plastic bag, we started talking. A bus crossed the street and a boy on the bus insulted Abdul’s mother. Now, reason of the insult unknown, I asked Abdul why the boy did that and encouraged him to ask for respect. He said he wanted to beat him when he would reach home because apparently there were neighbors. I tried to explain violence leads to nothing and instead would be better to use words to ask for and to give respect. We ate together two sandwiches and he continued on his way home. Episodes like this happen everyday and we do not see them. More violent, more aggressive, with more hatred and negativity involved. and what can we do? I understand by being here that it is humanly impossible to be in charge and to take charge of every possible cruel and unfair behaviors and actions done by others. The best things (and the most beautifully done, with care and “almost” perfection- nothing is perfect daily reminder) are the ones in which we focus on and we completely dedicate ourselves into. Passion, Persistence, Focus and, as my father always taught me, do one (or maximum two things) at the same time. In this way, you have the energy, the open mind and the good dose of concentration to specialize in what really counts for you, your life and especially your heart.
Today I was thinking of blogging, journalism and objectively report what goes on this crazy planet. I am particularly fond of women empowerment and instilling inspiration, motivation, hopes and dreams in them so that they can discover and speaking out their mind of what they want to become. Interestingly enough, I found myself really interested in environmental issues as well, and how to take care of the planet by taking care of the environment in which we live, by cleaning up, recycling and ensure that everyone breathes healthy air for their health and for the health of the whole community.
I am sharing some pictures close to my heart in this period of my life, which include: Island of Gorée, my swimming teacher Lamine, who believed in me and prepared me for my swimming competitions ( Go Senegal, and please look at him from the motorcycle mirror: despite of all vicissitudes, he ALWAYS smiles and gives a hand! ), children dancing Capoeira (i believe in children and the power of dancing) the meaning of commitment-engagement, the power of the wind and of the ocean of Senegal, Girls in communications and technology ( the future of this global technological world to connect and solve the challenges of our century through collaboration, information-sharing and brilliant minds) and a couple of playlist that I was listening from Youtube while writing this blog post 🙂
Youtube Playlist:
Mix The Smiths
Mix Stereophonics
Mix Keane
Mix Madonna
The Lighthouse 