guelaguetza

this great word, i came across in a magazine.  guelaguetza in oaxacan means to both give and receive.  it means a lot to the people to share, not expecting anything immediately in return.

for example, if a friend of yours provides drinks for your daughter's wedding reception, at some point--even years in the future--when someone else in the community needs something from you, it's time to pay it forward. 

this system of mutual cooperation, sustained over years or even a lifetime, in a culture that prizes connection over profit nurtures both trust and social unity. 

what is refreshing to me about the concept is there is time to relax and receive.  instead of a vague form of score keeping where people feel guilty if they aren't able to respond in kind right away, it is a time-honored rhythm like breathing in and breathing out.  everyone's giving of themselves, knowing what it is to receive.

beautiful.

Comments

Popular Posts