Grace Chirenje, lifezone ON Saturday, we visited Chihota village in Mashonaland East, for the tombstone unveiling of one of my brothers whom we lost during the Covid-19 lockdown era.
It was absolutely sentimental, a sort of reunion with the extended family that I treasure. I enjoyed the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe hymns and dances; oh what nostalgia!
What also stood out for me was the visit to the private family cemetery where I was able to see where my paternal grandmother, uncle, another little brother I lost decades ago and a sister I lost to suicide were laid to rest.
The day left me feeling all sorts of things. But above all, I walked away with a great sense of contentment. The main reason for being in the village was tombstone unveiling but the experience was enriching. I had many lessons and insights.
One big experience, varying narratives
We are citizens of Zimbabwe, a beautiful nation filled with history, experiences and narratives. Some of us live here while others are outside the country.
Some shuttle between countries and others are unsure about what being Zimbabwean is all about. The truth is we are still all a part of this one huge family, Zimbabwe.
As I danced with the boys, with their passion and zeal, I realised that many of us have lost the simple pleasures of life. We seem to have forgotten what it means to live a life of passion. A life filled with so much laughter, peace and joy!
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We tend to focus all our energy on making the next dollar so much that we have forgotten to sing, dance and invite others to do exactly the same.
Whilst the women and men responsible for the catering brought food and refreshments at different levels to help us replenish our energies, just like the many workers do to facilitate for functionality in society, I was reminded that if we take up our roles, we can restore Zimbabwe to the breadbasket of Africa status.
It takes each of us to step up and do our best, as much as we can. That way we can all come together and ensure Zimbabwe is restored.
Did I mention that to finance the tombstone unveiling, each family member contributed whatever they could towards the expenses? Well, the same way that it would make a difference if each one of us would contribute whatever they can to ensuring that Zimbabwe is restored.
Oh trust me, we are aware of what is not working; we now need people who will commit to working towards fostering a culture of resolving challenges.
Imagine, a Zimbabwe where the vulnerable and excluded begin to feel at home? How can we ensure that happens for each of us? The exploration is how to start working towards a culture of acceptance and tolerance.
When we are all working towards the same goals of harmony, tolerance, love, bliss and balance, just like the family was working towards contributing to a successful tombstone unveiling, we will be able to ensure success!
We are not at the same levels of socio-economic, political or academic prowess but we are all in need of enhancing our lives so that we make life work to the very best of our abilities.
The leaders, if they take this issue of working together seriously, would facilitate a country that ensures that things are functional, such that we each take up our roles and improve our roads, hospitals, clinics, schools and all other social services.
What we need to keep pushing is understanding, that like my family this weekend, there is a target, to unveil a tombstone, we walk towards a shared vision and goal. Yes, we can!
The rituals
Rituals in our Zimbabwean culture have often been associated with all sorts of darkness. The truth of the matter is a ritual is anything that will be useful to enhance your life, energy or vibe in a positive direction.
Rituals like tombstone unveiling, for us as a family, is about remembering our dearly departed and ensuring that their final place of rest looks decent.
What rituals do we need to do as individuals so that we are grounded to show up healthily in the society?
Once we have healthy individuals, this cascades to healthy families, communities, districts, provinces and before we know it, Zimbabwe is a healthy nation with people who are focused on solutions.
The truth is that this is such a possible narrative that I challenge every one of us to rethink what we do so that we develop rituals or let us call them habits that allow you and me to be strong, focused and able to make life work not just for ourselves but for others. Zimbabwe needs to be celebrated, cleansed, watched, loved and facilitated for rituals that ensure the country is healed.
This is something we can do. No one is coming to save us.
Now is the time to hold hands and push towards a common Zimbabwe. The ritual is personal and collective.
We can make sure that it happens. Let us explore the rituals we ought to do so that we get Zimbabwe working once again. Until then, we live, laugh and love to show the world that we were here, becoming better, making our mark, leaving our footprint as we make the world a better place!
- Grace Ruvimbo Chirenje writes in her personal capacity as a citizen of Zimbabwe. Follow her on social media for more Lifezone with Grace conversations on Twitter: @graceruvimbo; Facebook: Grace Ruvimbo Chirenje; Instagram: @graceruvimbo
