We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Finding Resilience & Strength through Traditional Tales.
Laziness –
From Zulu tribe
In South Africa, the Zulu people, of all the different tribes and groups, are the most prominent. There are at least 9 million Zulu people today.
There is a beautiful word of umndeni or “family” as a Zulu term that means that everyone who is together in one place are still family no matter if it’s biological or through marriage or adoption. I can see that connection with the Mother Cheetah as well as the way the Old Man and the rest of the Village seek to help.
Finding other versions made revealed that this story is also a pourquoi story of why the cheetah has spots. These are tear marks of the mother cheetah when she loses her three cubs.
50-word-or-less summary:
Mother Cheetah hunted for three cubs. Lazy Hunter watched and jealous. Decided to steal cubs and raise them to hunt for him. Mother cried. Wet spots collected dust on fur. Spots. Old Man asked why she cried. Told of Hunter. Old Man and Village shamed Hunter. Cubs returned. Spots remained.
Finding the Story:
The Cheetah and the Lazy Hunter – a version – here
Zulu Hunter and Cheetah – a version – here
Video version of story – here
Another video version of story – here
About Zulu People – here
Finding Resilience & Strength:
Sometimes what we are up against is not some person or character. It is ourselves. Do we have the strength to overcome laziness? Or will there be others to help when people (not “if”) laziness is chosen?
Laziness can be a habit. Some say that what people call “laziness” is a sign of being overworked. It could be a mindset. Though whether “true” laziness or perceived laziness, we either can have the strength to overcome it or face consequences.
Actions can have more devastating effects. Mother Cheetah received permanent tears on her fur. These markings, seen or unseen, can either strengthen us to find help and improve. Or, it can turn into depression. From there, even self-harm could come about. I am thankful that the Cheetah Family was reunited and the Old Man saw the importance of stepping in rather than continuing on his walk. No laziness in stopping, listening, and doing. And great strength.
Here’s an article from VeryWellMind called “How to Stop Being Lazy” to explore mental health and strategies.
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See quick list of programs here.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has been resilient and strong during these past years and looks forward to the next hybrid summit & festival on May 8-11, 2023. We would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Ashton Family Foundation