Kwanzaa - Day Three

The third day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of ujima (oo-JEE-mah), which is collective work and responsibility. Ujima is teamwork, working together for others and helping my neighbors.

Ujima reminds me of my obligation to my community, society, and world, and to the past, present and future. Imagine if all my actions flowed from the actions of those who came before me, and were considerate of all those who will come after me! That would be a life of great integrity and compassion!

Agenda today:
1. Journal queries
2. Kwanzaa ceremony
3. Helping my neighbors
4. End of year work

1. Journal:
Ujima creates synergy- creative cooperation, open-minded teamwork, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. We each bring all of our personal experience and expertise to the table, and join together to produce far better results than we could as individuals.

What are my responsibilities for my world? 
What things can I do in the New Year to actively help my family, my community, and my society to solve our problems?
How might I create situations for synergy and creative teamwork?

From my Journal: I've been working at being a better team member and it's paying off- I find that I can pitch in at the Warming Center without needing to do things MY way, or be the boss. I can be friendly with people who annoy me. I can cooperate for the greater good.

2. Kwanzaa ceremony:
I light the black candle and the blue again, for the people, saying this affirmation:
I will work in unity with those within and without my circle.

Then I light the inside red candle, saying-
I will define myself, create for myself, and speak for myself. I will accomplish my dreams for the future.

Then I light the inside green candle- for the earth, the young people, and the new ideas they bring- and recite this affirmation-
I will help my family and community solve problems by working cooperatively.

3. Helping my neighbors:
The Egan Warming Center is on standby this week, in case the temperature drops to freezing again. I am signed up for my usual kitchen prep shift, to make soup and sandwiches and serve the people who need a warm place to sleep.

These people are my neighbors. Since I've been serving them, I recognize them on the streets, in my park, at the stores. Helping them to stay alive on freezing nights is the very least I can do.

4. End of year work:

This is the traditional time to complete and tie the old year closed, and allow the New Year to start fresh: Finish old projects and old business, pay debts, make apologies, call neglected friends, and return borrowed items. Today I will make a list of tasks and symbolic acts I can do in these last few days to show integrity, and love for my family and friends.

My list this year:

1. Call a few friends.
2. Send a few final cards.
3. Paint the bathroom door.
4. Tidy up the yard.
5. Pay for our new health insurance
6. Help move boxes and furniture from storage to the new house!