I believe one of the biggest problems with the world today is that things are dealt with at a surface level. Without deep diving to the root cause. And searching out the issue at its core. To deliberately address it. It’s often said. The truth hurts. Simply because it exposes many things. And some would prefer to hide behind that nakedness. Ignoring it or pretending it doesn’t exist. After all, that would be easier. ‘Facing your demons’ requires a strength that some just aren’t willing or able to bear.

This month’s topic is long overdue. Just look at everything happening in the world today. Many things are shifting. We could argue that this is progress and in line with advancement. But at what cost, I ask? Many things are lost every other day. I respect the process; that to go forward, to innovate and change, there must be a perceived difference between the future and the past. Between what you are doing now compared with what you were doing then. Clearly distinguishing the old from the new. But surely, it doesn’t follow that to go forward, all the old must be left behind? Because some of it is good and beneficial. Some of it is still relevant. There’s a wisdom in some of the ‘ancient’ things. We just need to strike the right balance. To take what must outlive the generations to come. And leave behind that which has served its purpose. Yet the world seems to be leaving it all behind.

I think you would all agree. What was unacceptable and inappropriate 40 years ago is becoming increasingly acceptable and appropriate today. Standards are changing. Behaviours are evolving. Consciences are shifting. And strange things are becoming proper. Add to this the fact that the hearts of men appear to be hardening in a frightening way. Today, men can look at the wars and strife happening worldwide, and even circulate the most gruesome imagery of the death and destruction caused; yet easily separate themselves because it’s not their issue. Men are growing colder and increasingly indifferent to many things. And then there’s a group that keeps getting louder. The ‘11^th commandment’ category, as I would call them. Whose mantra is “to thine own self be true. Do what you will. You are the only important person in your world”. Encouraging men to live only to satisfy themselves, no matter the cost.

We must ask ourselves, what happened over the past 40 years to bring us here?

Allow me to start with a bit of theory. A society is defined as “the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community”. Essentially, communities within nations. Being “large bodies of people united by a common descent, history, culture or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory”. Let’s consider the cornerstones of building any nation – the law, politics, education, and healthcare. Around which all other systems are established. There must be some sort of moral order that imposes boundaries on what men can and can’t do, for the common good. There must be a system by which men are governed, inter alia with the aim of ensuring that access to the basic goods and services necessary to promote the freedoms of all citizens exists. There must be a system to educate men, thereby empowering them to build. Through which jobs are created and men can meaningfully contribute to the growth of the economy. And lastly, there must be access to healthcare, to ensure the livelihood and longevity of mankind.

But how was this order arranged and inculcated? We are dealing with many people – currently over 8 billion. History has a lot to teach about how nations are built, and I would reference you there, lest I bore you with the lesson.

The point I want to make is this. How nations started, and how nations are developing and evolving today, has diverged. The basis upon which men were gathered around a common vision has taken a different direction today. Back then, a group of ‘trusted’ men were given the liberty to define the applicable standards based on a common morality. But as nations have grown and developed, men have become wiser, more capable, and more creative. So, while the law and politics and education systems are trying to instil the appropriate standards, they’re losing the battle every other day to another voice that has taken pre-eminence. Their voice has been overshadowed by a more powerful and inciteful voice. Today, many tools are shaping the consciences and hearts of men, in an increasingly subliminal way. And the results are undeniable. We live in a generation where a lot of what has become the prevailing societal norms and standards has unwittingly been shaped by the arts – the music we listen to, films we watch, social media platforms we subscribe to, radio broadcasts we follow, newspapers, books and magazines we read, blogs and podcasts that are trending, influencers we associate with, and so on. Every day, these things are feeding men with a vision of what appropriate and desirable behaviours are, which is both influencing and informing the prevailing standards. The more men hear and receive the messaging put before them, the more they align with the visions created in their hearts. And agree with them.

Because the fact is this. You can’t build a nation without a people. And you can’t call them a people unless they carry a certain mindset and ideology. But since man is increasingly becoming the master of his own destiny, detesting anything that would attempt to undermine his personal choices and will, how better than to bring him on board in this manner. Transmitting messages to him every day and causing him to align with them, whether he knows it or not. Think about it. Just 40 years ago, television aired for a few fixed hours each day. Who remembers that bright and colourful circle which announced that viewing was done for the day? Television was also highly censored. So, not only were men forced to switch off at some point each day, censoring placed firm boundaries on what was acceptable. Or at least, what could be put out there through the airwaves, for the common good. But today, televisions run non-stop, over countless platforms. Censorship standards keep loosening. And it’s hard to keep up with what the industry is serving.

Please understand my heart. I’m not saying it’s all bad. That the progress has been in vain. That’s not my point. Just that because man is a product of his thought patterns – being not only what he thinks in his mind, but also what he thinks in his heart; the idea of man being conditioned by an outward force is becoming more real every day. A man’s thoughts determine his speech, which in turn informs his behaviour. And if you want to change a man’s behaviour, just change how he thinks. Because he’ll do as he thinks, which is exactly how he’ll speak. So, to change how he thinks, simply inundate his mind with visions of how you believe he should think. As one wise man said, “you can’t take a man there, if you can’t think him there”. The imagination is such a powerful tool. And this is exactly what the arts are doing. The messaging is clear – the world is becoming freer, wilder, looser, less inhibited, more inclusive, and so on. Values are shifting. Call me conservative or patriarchal or whatever. But I miss the days passed. There’s a reason why many of these things were frowned upon just 40 years ago. I believe the question we should be asking is whose agenda is at play? Because man isn’t in control. He can deceive himself that he is. But he’s a puppet. Increasingly conditioned every day to play out a part in someone else’s story. And some of us are frightened at the thought of where all of this is taking mankind.

But to bring it home. Because we can’t solve the world’s problems in one conversation. In everything we do at Tsim & Bibi, our commitment is to do it because it represents who we are at the core. Not because it’s what the world’s feeding. We must be careful not to be swept away by the trends. We must not be distracted by prevailing societal norms or succumb to the pressures to align with them in the name of being accepted when they are not true to us. There are many bakeries and ways to cake. We’re just here to do it our way, unapologetically. Which means that every month you’ll continue to get a blog, which has less to do with cakes and more to do with the people we’re caking for.

Yours in baking,

Chi

I say it all the time. Everything speaks. Many conversations are taking place simultaneously in various dimensions and realms at any given moment. The only question being what your ears are attuned to pick up. Because every day, many things pass us by. So, it’s not only important that you hear. You must also hear right. Beyond what’s spoken, you must be able to pick up what’s communicated to you, right there and then. Otherwise, your response may be misaligned due to a lack of understanding.

This is where language is important. The October 2022 blog discussed the concept at length. And I’d encourage you to turn back for a refresher. That said, certain of the thoughts I sought to express in that blog weren’t articulated as well as they should’ve been. And this month’s blog seeks to provide the additional clarity. It’s also a great opportunity to take the conversation further, at a time when human behaviours worldwide are becoming increasingly disturbing.

As previously discussed, you must both hear and understand what’s communicated to you. That is, you must catch the meaning embedded in the words that have been used. Otherwise, the substance or essence may be lost. With the speaker saying one thing, and the hearer understanding a completely different thing. Language plays a potentially confusing role here. Because the language used is intended to carry the meaning applied. However, where a translation is required to fully interpret the meaning, the potential for distortion exists.

Let’s compare certain languages, for context. English is a second or third dimensional language, where what’s spoken can be ascertained on two or three levels. Simply because it’s pragmatic. English doesn’t carry a certain depth in interpretation, and one can easily pick the meaning communicated, even from the behaviours applied while speaking. However, higher dimensional languages exist. Take Hebrew, for instance, which is seventh dimensional, or Aramaic, one of the original languages of the Old Testament of the Bible, which is ninth dimensional. The point being, the higher the dimension, the more depth embedded in the meanings associated with the words applied, and the more interpretations that can be picked in the circumstances. Because higher dimensional languages are lethargic. They can be stretched. So where one word would represent two or three meanings in English, the same word in Hebrew can carry seven different interpretations.

And it gets more interesting. Consider the inherent potential to lose meaning when translating a seventh dimensional sentence into a third dimensional language. For instance, from Hebrew to English. While English may make a good attempt at explaining the meaning applied, because it doesn’t carry the depth the Hebrew language does, somethings are lost in translation, and sometimes detrimentally. Thus, unless you’re able to go back to the original language used, and fully unpack the meaning that was intended in the relevant communication, your lower-level translation may have gaps. But here’s the thing. This is how the world we live in goes every other day. People who speak different languages have adopted common languages as mediums for communication. And there’s an unsaid realm where translation is constantly taking place. From what’s said, to what’s heard, to what’s understood, and then to what’s said back. None the wiser as to how much of the original meaning has been lost in the process, and what the consequences of applying the limited interpretation are.

Being born and bred in Zimbabwe, where the native Shona language is fifth or sixth dimensional, the idea of being lost in translation is often apparent. A single Shona word carries more depth than the English translation, and you’ll need to say more in English to fully express the term. Then take the Bible, where the Old Testament was originally written in Aramaic and Hebrew, and the New Testament in Greek. And has today been translated to English. It’s no wonder the confusion we see every day regarding the interpretation of the Bible.

Interestingly, English is one of most spoken languages in the world, after Mandarin. Yet it’s one of the lower dimension languages. The whole world has been rallied around it, and we’re still wondering why there’s so much strife and unrest worldwide. Perhaps the issue isn’t that nations are fighting each other, but that these are instances where substance has been lost in translation. A language that effectively unites understanding doesn’t exist, and now we’re dealing with the forms that have emerged due to misaligned interpretations.

Let’s take the conversation deeper. Hearing and understanding what a person is saying from a language perspective is only one aspect of this thought. There’s also a place where what’s said by the person isn’t what’s spoken by the person, from the heart. And so, what’s heard and translated isn’t what was communicated. Oftentimes, people express what’s going on inside through words and behaviours that do not necessarily align with what they’ve said. For instance, a person that’s hurting and sad may lash out at the people he or she is talking to. And a person that’s depressed my agree to things that he or she doesn’t agree with. But the wisdom to know the difference. Because if you simply respond to what’s said without appreciating where it comes from, and what’s been communicated at the core, your response may be misaligned. So, in hearing what’s said by understanding the language used, you must also hear what the man of the heart’s speaking.

I’ll end with a sensitive example, but one I believe will be easily understood. It’s been over 4 months, and a terrible war continues to rage between the nations of Palestine and Israel, majorly in Gaza. Over this period, many views and thoughts have been expressed. In fact, South Africa (the country I’m proud to call home) initiated legal proceedings against the State of Israel at the International Court of Justice, citing mass genocide by Israel. And won its case. Yet, the war continues. And every day, countless are dying. We see imagery upon imagery of complete decimation and annihilation, even touching little children in a heartbreaking manner. Yet with all the talking, outcry, and imagery circulated; the war continues with the same or even increasing intensity. I believe that we’re dealing with a case of lost in translation. There’s a fight on the surface, and that’s what we see and hear every day. But the real fight, the root cause, is hidden. And until we have the eyes and ears to see and hear what’s really going on, we may never be able to stop the war. Israel and Palestine are communicating with each other in the best way they know how, but they don’t understand each other, and can’t seem to agree. There’s the language barrier; Hebrew and Arabic. Both rich languages. And then there’s the root cause, which remains hidden. But if you think about it, Israelis and Palestinians are both descendants of Abraham, biblically. So why does this war between ‘brothers’ continue with such devastating consequences?

My prayer is simple. May we have the eyes to see and the ears to hear what needs to be seen and heard at such a time as this. Because the world is going in all kinds of directions, and many things have been lost in translation. Even at our level of just caking, it’s important that we remain attuned to the various conversations going on around us concerning Tsim & Bibi, so that we’re placed to respond as we should at the time that we must, and not miss any opportunities that may come our way.

Yours in baking,

Chi

Compliments of the New Year! Or rather, “how’s it going”?

As we know well enough, the messaging at the beginning of any new year is consistent. That it’s time to reset through definitive goal setting and focused changes. The aim being to become a better version of the person you were in the year that has just passed. Frankly, many of us made a few mistakes. Many of us missed some opportunities. Many of us lost some time.  So, this process is needful. Yet we’ve also heard it said. That you’re not a new person simply because the year has changed. It will take more than the new year. And let’s face it. The naysayers are looking on to see how many will fall off the new years’ resolution bandwagon; and how quickly. Thus, proving their argument that this new year rhetoric is worthless and should be done away with.

And they’re correct in certain respects. Just not entirely true.

If all you have going for the changes you expect to see in 2024 is that fact that we dropped a 3 and took on a 4 at the end of the “202” just a few weeks back, then you’re likely to be in for a rude awakening. Because life doesn’t work like that. So, they’re correct about that. But what they’ve missed is that there’s still a wisdom to this thing called ‘crossing over into a new year’. Because that’s what it is. A crossing over. And the hype around this significant 365-day event should be encouraged. The resolutions should be welcomed. The goals should be invited. But, with more than just the excitement of it. Which is where many have been derailed and become delusional in their dreaming. But also, with the wisdom of it. The knowing of both what needs to be done and how to do it in order to achieve the specified outcomes. Because that’s the guarantee of success. Rightly positioned, 2024 can be your year! It’s not just a pipe dream.

“What’s in a new year?”, you may ask. And the short answer is, a change of season. From one realm to another. From one dimension to another. This is certainly true in the physical. 2023 is not the same as 2024. That moment, when the clock strikes 00:00 from 31 December 2023 to 01 January 2024, makes a difference. Things shift. You will be a year older this year. The passage of time will show in many things and areas of your life. You may need to renovate your home, refresh your corporate logo, or buy some new clothes, etc, because a refresh is necessary. A new season in the circle of life has begun. Even numerology goes some lengths to explain it. But the same can also be argued spiritually. Because if you can understand that the times (the ages) have been appointed for the manifestation of certain things (at a macro scale), and that with each new year, there’s a burden for the appointed things to come alive, you can define your own season within these seasons, with a view to maximising your own results (on a micro level). If you can catch the winds and understand where they’re blowing, and why, you’ll be able to position yourself to make the maximum impact at your level. Which means that a new year will always come with new opportunities for you, as an individual, no matter how rough and tough the prior year was.

Let’s unpack this thought further. The Oxford Dictionary defines seasons as “divisions of the year resulting from the earth’s changing position with regard to the sun”. As you know, the earth revolves in orbit around the sun in 365 days, 6 hours, and 9 minutes (the 6 hours, and 9 minutes, being the reason why we have a leap year – an extra day – every fourth year). The sun, on the other hand, is mostly stationary, only rotating on its axis at the equator once every 24 days, although astronomers would estimate that the core of the sun rotates about once a week (though not relevant for this conversation). So, it’s about the earth. And every change in position of the earth around the sun means something across all dimensions. As the Bible states in the Book of Genesis, as long as the earth remains, rest assured that you’ll have night and day, cold and warmth, summer and spring, and seedtime and harvest. Seasons will always come, and man will have to adjust his behaviours to align with them, if the earth is going to yield its fruit to him. That is, if the passage of time is to work for his advantage.

Now, while the change in season at a new year does not necessarily touch the weather – though it’s beautiful to behold the varying seasons that many countries experience during the December / January period; the change is still inviting man into a new realm. Man has the liberty to define what that new realm will mean for him, if he applies himself diligently towards the desired end. And attaches significance to the season, based on the desires and demands of his heart. It’s true. Many do fall off the bandwagon, and some quite early (it’s ridiculous). But that doesn’t change the irrefutable fact that the new year provides each of us with an opportunity to elevate. And become more. Which many continue to succeed at year-on-year.

So, as we embark on the new season that’s upon us, my prayer is that it may be prosperous, fruitful, and rewarding for us all. May we see the goodness of God in our lives like never before. May we grow and mature in wisdom, become the best versions of ourselves, and do things this world will pause to take note of. May we be better, brighter, bigger, stronger, wiser, richer, and healthier. May long life be our portion. And may our days be long and speak loudly, years be full, and lives abundant and overflowing; nobody and nothing stopping our mojo.

This is our year, friends. And how do I know it? It’s simple; because we get to decide. The ball’s completely in our courts. So, go on. Get yours! We’re already on it.

Yours in baking,

Chi

We’ve made it to December. Better, for the journey that The Cake Table has taken us through the past eleven conversations. And we’re signing off with a hard, but necessary one. After all. This is the season of reflection and reset. Which requires honesty, and transparency, if we’re to truly benefit from the process.

When you look at the World (upper case for emphasis), it’s clear that things are off balance. The World is rapidly becoming crazier. Wars, violence, crime, corruption, and plain wickedness. We see it every other day. Economic conditions are on a downward trend. High interest rates, high inflation, increased barriers to trade, increased unemployment, etc. And, in a frightening way, human consciences are shifting. What was once unacceptable has become common place. Lines have become blurred. Truth is lost. We have to watch what we say, because what can be said, and tolerated by the masses, is gaining greater force than truth. Children are becoming adults; exposed to things they shouldn’t be from an early age. And one wonders. What will the next 10 years look like? Can the World – or man – take much more of the madness?

It’s been said. And believe it to be true. That there’s only so much a man can take in the flesh. The flesh wasn’t designed to bear certain hardships, sufferings, and pains. So, the more we continue to inflict ourselves with the madness, the closer man gets to blowing up. Destroying everything in his path. And I believe this is where the World is headed if some of us don’t wake up.

Man is the master of his destiny. He has the ability to soar irrespective of the circumstances he may face. And if your life appears to be out of order, I believe the question you should be asking is: what have I missed? Which starts with being self-aware. Because you must firstly understand yourself at the core. Which many don’t.

Let me explain.

In a World that has so much to offer; wealth, material possessions, fame, influence, etc. It’s not surprising that men tend to focus more on the things without, than the person within. That in the pursuit of these physical things, inadequate attention is given to the person within. To character, beliefs, and values. The World celebrates success and responds to increase and promotion that’s visible to the physical eye. And all too often, the inner man is ignored. Yet the unseen world where this inner person functions is the driver of the lives of men. The inner man is the one shaping everything you see on the outside. Causing the World, or at least the man’s world, to move in a particular direction. But just look around; and you’ll find numerous examples of men who aren’t self-aware to the detriment of many things. Where a man bears a skewed sense and perspective of self. And he can’t be told otherwise. He’s stuck on his ways, and offended by anyone who would dare challenge him. Men have the money, houses, cars, jobs, success stories, and all the good stuff that come with these things. But they’re funny. And I believe a lack of self-awareness is one of the reasons for this. Because the man that is self-aware will know when to stop; which lines not to cross; what not to say; where not to go; how to conduct himself; and so on. Fully appreciating the boundaries within which he’s able to exercise the liberties available to him.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, to be self-aware means “having conscious knowledge of one’s own character and feelings”.  That is, at any given point in time, being aware who you are – the kind of person you are; how you behave; how you respond to things; and the values that define you. How you feel, and why you feel a particular way. But it doesn’t end with the knowing. This should activate an awareness that guides appropriate behaviours. Such as, how to talk to people, how to treat people, appreciating the impact of your actions on others, understanding how you’re perceived by others, identifying the growth areas in your life, and so on.

Let’s consider a few scenarios. But without generalising. Because it’s possible that in certain instances the narrative may be justifiable.

There’s that colleague who’s arrogant, offensive, imposing of himself, and brash. And simply a hard person to deal with or relate to. Yet he’s completely oblivious to the fact that he’s only tolerated because of his position. And is making many miserable under his leadership.

We have the pity party kind. Who blame the World for their problems. Finding no fault in themselves. Convinced that circumstances have caused their lives to be the way they are. That the people around them are to blame for their failures.

There’s the Pastor who believes he’s called to minister. Yet he only came to Christ yesterday; is overzealous, and not matured in the things of God. And is causing many to stumble because he ministers questions and confusion.

And the believer who stretches truth to fit into personal convictions. A dangerous group who’ve adopted their own version of the Bible. And preach the thoughts, opinions, and perceptions of man in the name of truth. Certain that they’re led by God.

We have that spouse who finds all manner of faults in the other. Believing that he or she is the perfect one who can do no wrong. And is unwilling to entertain any thoughts otherwise. Unapologetically putting all of the ills of the marriage on the other.

Then there are those children with the wrong attitude. Who don’t want to work. They’re self-entitled. Convinced that the World was made to serve them. And are unwilling to apply themselves in any manner where any form of commitment or diligence is required. Neither do they respect their elders or any kind of authority.

We have that friend who appears to be loving and supportive. But who’s actually in a secret battle with you; only walking alongside you with the sole objective of outdoing you. Patiently waiting for your demise. Perhaps even willing to set it up. And is ready to pounce to your destruction the moment opportunity arises.

We also have the removed and unavailable parents. Whose children are raised by the nanny, driver, au pair, cook, cleaner – you name it. They’re able to pay for anything the children need. But aren’t willing to be present when the children need them.  

And the man who claims to be a person of faith only because he or she wants a spouse, job, or promotion. Whose heart is not truly after God. And is willing to transact with spiritual things for self-serving purposes. Leaving everyone confused because he doesn’t behave like the righteousness he seems to portray.

What of the man who esteems himself more highly than he should. Professing to know the keys to success, wealth, and prosperity. Even selling his services and running courses aimed at teaching others how to walk in such abundance. Yet he’s broke and failing in every single one of his personal endeavours.

Then we have the self-appointed ‘policemen’. Those who judge everything and everyone. And have something to say about every single thing. Calling out corruption, sin, bad behaviour, etc. Intent on exposing the failures and disgraces of others. Yet never pointing any fingers to themselves.

And those businessmen who are caught up in compromise and corruption. Prepared to say what has not been said, permit what is not authorised, and do whatever it takes, to gain whatever they desire. To bend the rules, cross lines, lie, cheat, and buy favours. They’re outwardly successful. But a shame is hidden in their glories.

And lastly, what about the harsh and unkind words many of us speak oftentimes. How we talk to those who work for us. How we talk to our family members. How we respond to beggars on the street. Our posture when an undesirable fellow takes the seat next to us in a public space. How we look down on those who have less than we do. How we relate with those of a different race. The extent to which some are prepared to people please just to be accepted. And how we often say what we feel even when it’s abusive or hurtful to the next person.

I could go on and on …

We live in a world where all these people I just described are crossing paths every day. Interacting with one another. Hanging out. Gathering around tables, discussing families, jobs, homes, holidays, work, etc. Each presenting him or herself in the most formidable manner. Yet, no one taking the time to judge themselves in truth. Because if they did, they would realise that something’s off. You must understand that these behaviours all stem from personal insecurities. And such insecurities are birthed when you don’t know who you are, and attempt to find yourself in the outward or physical things. Not taking the time to deal with the hidden inner man.

This conversation frightens me to the core. I never want to be so removed from myself. I must know myself in truth, and do whatever it takes to fix what’s broken. But, neither is this conversation intended to put judgement or cast light on anyone. Because we’re all a mess. We each have things to sort out. No one better than the other.

My point is this. Without taking the time to judge yourself, and become more self-aware, you may apply yourself in a manner that’ll bring destruction and hurt to those around you, and ultimately shame and dishonour to you. By engaging in matters higher than your level. Speaking, where you shouldn’t. Performing, where you aren’t qualified. Judging, where you don’t have the authority. Demonstrating, where you’re not matured. Standing, when you should be seated. Ruling, when you should be serving. Turning left when you should’ve gone right. Being indifferent or ignorant to your own detriment. And perhaps, you just need to be kinder, less judgemental, more understanding, more patient, slower to talk, and slower to act.

It’s no wonder the World’s a mess. When there are this many messy people walking the streets. God help us!

We at Tsim & Bibi strive to remain self-aware; conscious of the direction we’re moving as a brand, and our commitment to those that support our vision. This requires that we be true to ourselves at all times; whilst being mindful of the impact we have on our employees, customers, other important stakeholders, and the industry at large.

And with that, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, safe cross-over into 2024, and blessed, prosperous, and fruitful season ahead. May 2024 be your year of self-awareness.

Yours in baking,

Chi

We’re in the final months of 2023. Where has the time has gone? Santa Claus is literally in town! Emotions are mixed. On the one hand; excitement, because December is the best time of the year. The bells and holly; Christmas carols and presents; and for those in the more enchanting parts of the World (upper case “W” for emphasis) – snow, lights, and all things festive! Yet, on the other hand; daunting, because of the thought of having to account for the year that’s been. Because whether you like it or not, it’s time to take stock. Did you achieve everything you set out to this year? Are you a better version of yourself?

Let’s face it. While 2023 has been a year of consistent fruitfulness and progress for some; with increase, multiplication, success; prosperity; promotion; and expansion. The reality has been the complete opposite for others; rough and tough, up, and down. With many lows, frustrations, failures, disappointments, losses, and struggles.

The same World. In the same country (South Africa, for me). In the same year (2023). Faced with the same systemic issues: the same prime lending rate (8%, as at today); ruling party (African National Congress); load shedding crisis (currently swinging between Stage 5 and Stage 6, with up to 12 hours in the dark per day); economic policy (focused on sustainable development and the creation of a strong economic base through tariff liberalisation, prudent fiscal policy, investment in infrastructure, education, land reform, and lower inflation); oil prices (crude at c$77); inflation rate (currently 5.90%); unemployment rate (32.6%); etc. Hearing the same word on the street. Reading the same news reports. Dealing in a World rebirthed in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet completely different experiences.

This month, we unpack the thought more deeply. Why certain experiences that break one person are the source of another person’s promotion. Why some are struggling while others remain on a continued upward trajectory. Why many are getting poorer while others keep getting richer. Why some are impoverished and literally fighting to survive, while others enjoy an abundance that could, in earnest, be shared by many.

At a high level, which is as far as we’ll go, the answer turns on where one is located. That is, the place where one is found. And by this, I don’t mean one’s physical location. Though it may be relevant in the overall analysis. Being whether you’re in Africa or America, the suburbs, or the locations, etc. But rather, the place where one’s heart is both established and consecrated. Being the place from which the person defines his thought and speech patterns; the consciousness that he carries (which inevitably becomes the sub-conscious leading); and the voices and sounds that the person hears (last month’s blog on Noise breaks this down nicely, and I would encourage you to read it). Which then become food for the persons’ soul and the bread by which he or she lives.

Let’s get into it!

Whether you’re conscious of it or not, we’re each located somewhere, both spiritually and physically. Though, firstly spiritually. Although that’s a conversation for another day. And it’s a place. A realm. Based on the vision you have of life. And the voices that speak into your life. All of these being the things that define your world (lower case “w” for emphasis). Understand this. Every person walking the face of this earth is located in their own world. And while there may be similarities across worlds – between your world and my world, due to shared commonalities or interests; every person is still in their own world. Even when we may appear to agree, we can’t truly be agreed because it’s not known from where the other person is affirmed. It would be an error to assume that we’re all in the same place because of what is seen physically. The cars we drive, houses we live in, schools our children attend, holidays we take, and pictures we post on social media; will deceive you.

Now, this is a wonderful thing. And the reason why every other day, we’re encouraged and motivated to chart our individual courses in life as we shape our destiny. To change our worlds and define our places in the World. Because in your world, you’re king or queen. You’re both creator and actor. You get to decide how far you’ll go. And you get to dabble in the liberties available to you.

Unfortunately, many don’t see things this way. Rather, they assume that we’re all in the same world; functioning from the same place; driven by the same assumptions; and working off the same base. And this is the reason for the many divisions in the World today. Undue expectations are placed on men that everyone is in the same world and sees things the same. Yet everyone has their own lens through which they’re doing life. Moreover, it’s  possible to be many things to many people because the circumstances demand it. That is, to behave in a similar manner, or to support particular causes, for the sake of a greater purpose. Because sometimes, to relate with people, you must deal with them as they are, and not as you are. And one would err to assume that we’re in the same world because of it.

I believe that if we all understood this, the World would be more united. Because each person would own his own his individual space, and would have no reason to compete or fight with any other person for their defined spaces. Even if two were found to be doing the exact same thing in the exact same place and at the exact same time, they wouldn’t regard each other as competitors. Simply because their respective worlds are still separate. Each person is walking in his lane and minding his business. And there’s no prospect of crossing lanes because that would require you getting into that persons’ heart. The secret place that only God has access to.

But imagine this. And this is the point that I would like to emphasise in this month’s blog. You think in a particular way, talk in a particular way, and act in a particular way. You’re convinced that you’re in the right place. And perhaps even that many are found there with you. Yet, in truth, you’re located in the wrong place. Your mindset and beliefs are wrong. Your character is flawed. Your perspective of the self is skewed. Your eyes of judgement are imbalanced. Your speech is negative. Your thoughts are twisted. Yet, you don’t even know that you’re in the wrong place. You’ve shaped your life and, consequently, your world from this place. And you believe it’s working. And no one can tell you otherwise. You’re right and everyone else is wrong. Essentially doing life indifferent and ignorant.

And we can take this to another level. Take marriage, as an example. The two became one with the exchange of vows and rings. However, this was only in the flesh. Not in the spirit. Because it’s not possible for human spirits to become one. So, the man who is in his world, and the woman who is in her world, come together and create a world. Which is in the World. Three worlds in one home – excluding the children. On the surface, it looks functional. They share a surname, home, children, bank account, insurance policies, bills, responsibilities in the home, etc. But at the core, the husband has his way of life, and the wife has hers. The two don’t match. Their individual worlds were never aligned from the beginning. As a result, the two don’t function as one. They’re divided on many key aspects. And left unattended, this could lead to a breakdown of the marriage. With both parties left wondering what happened.

Sadly, many live these realities.

And how do I know this? It’s in the fighting and cheating and competition and compromising that we see every other day. The backstabbing and back-biting, the hypocrisy and lies, and the wars. The crying and complaining. The blaming and lack of accountability. Juxtaposed with the successes and wins that certain people continue to enjoy. How some just keep getting bigger and better and richer and faster and stronger and more prominent.  

How then do you help the person that’s found in the wrong place? Make him understand that you need to change location if things are to change? And how do you make the person understand that the circumstances you face don’t define or limit you? That you’re your only limitation? And what will become of this World – it’s already going in all kinds of directions; simply because our individual worlds are out of course?

How do we begin such a conversation?

Yours in baking,

Chi