At present Riane Eisler's conception of the ways we organize our thinking, and societies - which she refers to as Dominator Culture - still holds sway. The alternative she proposes - which is slowly emerging among strong regressive reactions - is "Partnership Culture."
Malidoma Patrice Some' was a West African shaman and author of The Healing Wisdom of Africa. Speaking of the wisdom of indigenous people, he has described prerequisites for the emergence of an authentic, shared sense of community:
""What is required for the maintenance and growth of community is"a village-like atmosphere that allows people to drop their masks...where no one has to hide anything. There are certain human powers that cannot be unleashed without such a supportive atmosphere, [and which enable us to] believe in our ability to unlock potentials in ourselves and others far beyond what is commonly known."
Another way to say this might be that we depend upon one another to live as freely and truly as possible. Another community member's distinctness, candidness, and heartfelt sincerity has the capacity to evoke my own ability to embody these qualities.
Some' adds:
"Individuality, not individualism, is the cornerstone of community. Individuality is synonymous with uniqueness. It means that a person and his or her unique gifts are irreplaceable."
In The Spirit of Intimacy - Ancient African Teachings on the Ways of Relationships, Malidoma's wife, Sobonfu Some', beautifully offers a sense of a partnership society:
"Community is the spirit, the guiding light of the tribe, whereby people come together in order to fulfill a specific purpose, to help others fulfill their purpose, and to take care of one another. The goal of the community is to make sure each member of the community is heard and is properly giving the gifts he has brought into this world. Without this giving, the community dies.
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