Shared Maat Reflections/Journal
- One shared that about her coming to understand the loss of her son recently, and realizing that his divine presence remains
- One shared concern that there is often not enough sharing in the work we do, and dealing with overly critical people
- More willing to help and share with others, such as with students at the school; has wrestled with doing the work in our community in the spirit of Maat, while demonstrating unity in our community
- Struggled with an unreasonable demand from a teacher, which was undermining their role as parent, was able to remain calm, but it was an effort
- Shared "National Report" from Jet, "Black Males' Rampant Joblessness, High Drop-Out Rate, Incarceration Dooming Black Community: Study"
- According to Bereasted, Maat arose "as in individual and personal matter, as a designation of right conduct in the family or immediate community...then gradually passed into a large arena as the spirit and method of national guidance and control of human affairs..."
- Thus Maat was not a "top-down" philosophy
- Our older children don't seem to get "it" - to see the need for the work that we are engaged in; our children are someplace else
- Suggesting that the experiences are different for other generations, and the issues that moved an older generation does not move the current
- Believes that children resist some of the teachings
- Biggest challenge for us is to provide a forum for them to come to, so they can have a "living room" situation on a community scale; need to build institutions
- Maat is a reflection for a need amongst people for a sense of order and predictability; all of the other elements of Maat assume the presence of "order"; when do young people express a need for order?
- Current states comes from us not maintaining a set of values, and passing them through the generations
- Western slave trade launched the "4th" intermediate period
- According to Karenga it is important to note that the personal and social are not separate
- Students are asked to write a statement about how they honor and promote the virtues/maat; some of them are shared below
- I worshipped and praised Amen-Ra; I have been silent and respectful of other religions to not foster isfet
- I am growing with Wo'se
- He was a good husband and father who introduced us to the beauty of nature; instilled in us a love of learning
- I appreciate the seasons; I find to contemplate my connection with nature
- I have always sought my higher aspirations, and helped to keep my family together
- More study and prayer to attend Wo'se; strive for self improvement and practice; study and share with others
- Instrumental in restoring Maat through Wo'se; knowing the power and beauty of the sun; one who is involved in restoring education; one who provides financial support to individuals
