Sawa bona

Sawa bona is a South African greeting which means "I see you." The response is "Sikhona" which means "I am here."  I learned this from a mother who was sitting vigil at her young daughters hospital bed.  She taught me the power and importance of presence.  Our presence, simply being there with awareness, breathing, acknowledging what is happening in the present moment, sitting with whatever is presenting itself without a judging mind, without trying to fix anything. This presence, this "I see you" validates their humanity, which in turn validates our own humanity, "I am here." 

There is really nothing to "do".  Our being present, really present, is a practice that can open up the space between self and other.  And in that sacred space we value and honor one another-our shared humanity.  I thank all my teachers, this mother, her daughter, for the wisdom gifts. You never know when you will meet a living bodhisattva.