Reflect Through The Pages.

I once read a comment about Africans that I found harsh. If you want to hide something from an African put it in a book. Maybe it’s because we didn’t grow up in a reading culture. It’s perceived as more of a mzungu thing. But my comeback to that would be if you want to learn something face to face through human interaction, listen to an African. I notice with amusement when I travel majuu (abroad) that when on public transport, most people are reading a book or magazine. While here at home folks in matatus are chatting animatedly while some have taken a nap hehe.

We may not have a history of reading books but we have a rich heritage of storytelling. Life lessons and wisdom have been passed down generations at gatherings over meals and special occasions from one age group to another. As a result, we tend to form close-knit relations by frequently socializing. That strengthens the fabric of our communities. For that, I’m proud to be an African. There may be some lessons passed better in person than in books.

However, I think we need both approaches to life, storytelling and book reading. When a story is put in a book then it reaches people and places that the storyteller may never go to. And that’s why I have come to enjoy reading books. I get to travel through the pages to where the author is. I’m a late bloomer as I began to read keenly in my 40s. Before that, I was reading only the newspaper, my bible and other mandatory writings like bank statements hehe.

It’s a habit I need to improve on, especially because I’m a writer. We are as good storytellers (and writers) as we are readers and observers of life. We are about 4 weeks to the end of 2024. I thought maybe we could share some insights we’ve gleaned throughout this year from the books we’ve read (or still reading). This is my version of a mini book club hehe. Indulge me kidogo folks. I like how you can mine a gem from a book and feel it enough to apply it in your life. That’s the power of sharing knowledge. We influence each other positively. I need to join the League of Authors too. Pole pole we shall. What are you reading now folks? What book has impacted you the most this year?

I’ll start with a book I was gifted by my wildlife photography hero, Usha, and her husband, Harish. Living Wisely is a book by Swami Kriyananda. Its layout makes it an easy read, with a quote or short story for each day. I read a story or two every other morning. November 8 read, “When others are speaking idly, don’t be drawn into that light chatter. Be respectful, but remain somewhat apart- perhaps even silent”.

If Kenyans followed this advice, especially on the endless political commentaries that take so much bandwidth, we would be more productive. Yes, we should be aware of our nation’s state of affairs but I find people drawn into siasa, analyzing every move politicians make and complaining in unison how we are doomed. I must confess I’ve been pulled into such conversations often and feel deflated every time I exit them. Like I’m a hopeless victim with no power. I’m slowly learning to maintain shalap (silence) when in such company and just observe or even slide away quietly. I hope we can adopt this piece of advice because idle chatter, like radio static, disturbs the perception of underlying realities, swami says.

Another wise quote was from October 1^st on fame and wealth. Swami says that fame and wealth are like prostitutes: loyal to no man. Men and women in high office should print this and place it somewhere prominent to remind themselves that fame ain’t loyal. It appears that people need us yet they are in the need of us. “Whether well-known or unknown you are the same person”, Swami continues. “it is easier to be yourself, however, if you are unburdened by anyone’s expectations of you. Be natural to all: open to their interests, and respectful of their opinions”.

The highlight for me is that I am the same person whether known or unknown. Folks may we resist the pull to be someone else just to stand out in the crowd. Authenticity never runs out of fashion. It is like a nice expensive perfume that lingers everywhere we go because people are drawn to authenticity. you are a masterpiece so please be you and keep working on yourself.

For the remaining Fridays of this year, we shall reflect on some wisdom that has jumped out for us and coloured our year in one way or another. I’d love to hear your gems too. Kindly share them with me folks. It would be a nice way to usher in the festive season.