Maya sat at her desk, her mind racing with ideas. As an aspiring writer, she had always felt a calling to challenge societal norms and expose hidden truths. Recently, she had become increasingly aware of the invisible chains that enslaved the minds, souls, and emotions of humanity. Determined to shed light on this issue, Maya embarked on a journey to write about the enslavement of the mind.
One morning, Maya visited her sister’s home to meet her newborn baby boy. Bursting with excitement, she entered the room where her sister sat, but her enthusiasm was met with unexpected words. “You’re on your periods, Maya. You’re dirty. You might make my child sick,” her sister said with a dismissive wave of her hand.
Maya’s heart sank. She felt shattered by her sister’s words, not only because they hurt her personally, but also because they revealed a deeper truth. Her sister had become enslaved by cultural prejudices and restrictions, believing in myths that perpetuated the division between women.
Determined to understand the roots of her sister’s mindset, Maya delved into extensive research. She discovered how long-held beliefs and social conditioning could restrict individuals, preventing them from realizing their true potential. The more she learned, the more she saw parallels between her sister’s situation and historical instances of mental enslavement.
Maya’s research also led her to incredible individuals who had managed to break free from the chains of mental enslavement. She sought them out, engaging in discussions that expanded her understanding of the various forms this enslavement could take. She encountered stories of ancestral expectations, societal pressures, and even personal traumas that had led people to become enslaved within their own minds.
However, Maya soon realized that her journey would be incomplete without addressing her own internal battles. She recognized the biases and prejudices she harbored within herself. These internalized chains had the potential to hinder her understanding of mental enslavement and prevent her from truly helping her sister.
Through introspection, Maya confronted her own fears and judgments. She immersed herself in empathy and sought to understand her sister’s perspective fully. This inner work allowed her to develop a more compassionate approach when confronting her sister’s enslavement.
With newfound clarity and a mission in her heart, Maya set out to liberate her sister. Drawing from her research, she used unconventional methods to challenge her sister’s beliefs, emphasizing the importance of empathy, knowledge, and personal growth. Slowly, her sister began to question the chains that shackled her mind, and the first steps towards liberation were taken.
Inspired by her success with her sister, Maya’s mission expanded. She shared her experiences through articles, engaged with communities, and sparked conversations about the mind, soul, and emotional well-being. She witnessed the transformative effects of liberation on individuals and whole communities, their minds unshackled and their spirits soaring.
Maya knew her journey had just begun. She set off on a lifelong endeavor to reach as many minds as possible, driven to break the chains that enslave humanity in various invisible forms. She understood that only by recognizing and challenging mental enslavement could true personal growth and societal progress be achieved.
Maya had tried numerous times to reason with her sister, but their conversations were filled with tension and resistance. Her sister’s firm belief that she knew what was best for Maya’s nephew, Doodla, hindered progress. Frustrated by their seemingly insurmountable barrier, Maya turned to a different approach – she decided to write her sister a heartfelt message, hoping that it would resonate and break through the mental enslavement.
Sitting at her kitchen table, Maya typed fervently on her phone, her fingers dancing across the screen as she composed a sincere WhatsApp message. In the subject line, she wrote, “Dumela ausi waka yoo ke mo ratang” which means “Greetings, my beloved sister” in Sotho, their native language. She wanted to convey respect and remind her sister of the connection they shared.
In her message, Maya carefully crafted her words to express her love and concern for her sister and nephew. She wrote, “I get that you’re older and only want what is best for Doodla, but I strongly believe you’re mistaken when you say I can’t be near my nephew only because I’m on my periods.” She wanted to highlight the fallacy of associating menstruation with impurity and danger, gently questioning her sister’s deeply ingrained beliefs.
Maya continued, taking the opportunity to educate her sister with compassion and empathy. Drawing upon scientific knowledge and facts, she explained, “Periods are not dirty blood, Ausi. Menstruation is the natural process of the womb preparing for pregnancy. When the body releases hormones like estrogen and progesterone, the uterine lining thickens to nourish and support a potential fertilized egg. If fertilization doesn’t occur, the levels of hormones decline, leading to the shedding of the endometrial lining.”
Maya added, “The actual amount of blood lost during a menstrual period is relatively small, averaging about 30 to 40 milliliters, which is only around 2 to 3 tablespoons. It may appear significant, but it’s a normal part of the body’s reproductive cycle.”
Through her message, Maya aimed to dismantle the mental chains that enslaved her sister’s mind. She wrote with a mix of scientific knowledge and personal perspective, hoping to spark curiosity and open her sister’s eyes to alternative viewpoints. Maya wanted her sister to understand that menstruating women were not dirty or dangerous, but rather experiencing a completely natural phenomenon.
With her message complete, Maya took a deep breath, acknowledging that her words might not immediately break through her sister’s mental enslavement. Yet, she hoped that this heartfelt and informative message would lay the groundwork for a dialogue founded on understanding and mutual respect, ultimately leading to her sister’s liberation from the confines of her own mindset.
Maya’s sister hesitated for a moment, contemplating her sister’s words. She felt a mixture of guilt, curiosity, and a growing desire to uncover the truth. With newfound humility, she typed her response back to Maya:
“Ngwana mma, ke a go utlwa” (Mother’s child, I hear you), she began in Sotho. “I appreciate your understanding and your willingness to explain. It’s true, we were taught these beliefs from a young age, and they became deeply ingrained in our minds. But I also acknowledge the limitations of these old beliefs and the need to grow beyond them.”
She continued, “I am eager to understand why these practices worked for them in the past, even if they seem misplaced in today’s world. I want to grasp the truth and broaden my perspective. Can you shed light on the reasons why our ancestors believed in these practices, even though they may not align with scientific facts?”
With genuine humility and a newfound willingness to learn, she concluded, “I am grateful for your patience and your efforts to guide me. Please help me reshape my mindset and help me see the truth. It means a lot, and I truly want to embrace a new understanding.”
Maya read her sister’s response, her heart filled with a mix of gratitude and renewed hope. Her sister’s use of the Sotho phrase touched her deeply, signaling a genuine openness and willingness to listen. Feeling called to respond, Maya took a deep breath, ready to embark on this transformative journey with her sister.
Maya’s heart swelled with a mix of relief and hope as she read her sister’s response. It seemed that her heartfelt message had penetrated the walls of her sister’s beliefs, opening a window for understanding.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Maya carefully composed her reply, eager to address her sister’s questions and provide the truth she sought. She began, “Ngwana wa mama, I appreciate your willingness to listen and learn. There is no need to ask for forgiveness; I understand that these beliefs were deeply ingrained from our upbringing.”
She continued, “The association of menstruation with death is a common misconception rooted in ancient beliefs and cultural practices. Back in the olden days, people lacked the knowledge and scientific understanding we have today. They believed in these practices because they didn’t have access to the information we do now.”
Maya wanted to emphasize the importance of historical context and cultural influence on beliefs, while gently steering her sister towards the truth. “The truth is, these beliefs are not based on scientific evidence. They were passed down through generations, but as we continue to grow and discover more about our bodies, we now know that menstruation is a natural and healthy process.”
She continued her explanation, wanting to address her sister’s curiosity and doubts with logic and reason. “In the past, people may have believed in these practices because they didn’t have the scientific knowledge to explain menstruation. They associated it with taboos and misunderstandings, but as science has advanced, we’ve learned that menstruation is a normal bodily function. It’s not something to be feared or considered impure.”
Maya took the opportunity to reassure her sister, “You can trust that I would never do anything that could implicate Doodla’s health. My love for him is unwavering, and I want to ensure that he grows up in a world where the truth is understood and embraced.”
In conclusion, Maya expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to share the truth with her sister, hoping it would pave the way for a new mindset. She wrote, “I am grateful for this chance to answer your questions and help you see the truth behind these ancient beliefs. Knowledge and understanding have the power to liberate us from the shackles of misconceptions. Together, we can embrace a new mindset, grounded in facts and support Doodla’s healthy development.”
Maya pressed send, hopeful that her sister would receive and consider her response with an open heart and an eagerness to learn. She knew that change wouldn’t happen overnight, but she had faith that their bond as sisters could overcome any barriers and lead them both towards enlightenment.
With a renewed sense of hope for her sister’s transformation, Maya eagerly awaited her sister’s next response, ready to continue the journey of liberation from mental enslavement.
Maya and her sister, excited to continue their conversation and exchange of knowledge, decided to meet at Hungry Lion at Batho Plaza, the nearest plaza to indulge in their discussion. They found a quiet corner table and settled in.
As they delved deeper into their conversation, passionately sharing their insights and questioning long-held beliefs, they caught the attention of a nearby customer. A warm smile graced the face of the middle-aged woman as she approached their table.
“Dumelang banyana ba Morena Jesu,” she greeted in Sotho. “I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on your conversation. My name is Mrs Mhlongo, I am a lecturer at Wits. You’re so wise for your age, and your dialogue is inspiring. I would love to work with you and be a part of your mission to liberate the minds of those who are enslaved.”
Maya and her sister exchanged surprised glances, their hearts brimming with joy and excitement. This unexpected encounter with Mrs Mhlongo felt like an affirmation that they were on the right path.
Gratefully accepting Mrs Mhlongo’s business card, they thanked her for her encouraging words. Maya’s sister replied with enthusiasm, “This opportunity feels like a gift, Mrs Mhlongo. We would be honored to partner with you and contribute to the cause of freeing minds from mental enslavement.”
Mrs Mhlongo beamed, her eyes shining with pride. “I am delighted to have met such courageous young minds. Let’s connect soon to discuss our partnership in more detail.”
With that, Mrs Mhlongo nodded warmly and walked back to her own table to enjoy her meal.
Maya and her sister looked at each other, deliriously happy and filled with anticipation for what lay ahead. Their visit to Hungry Lion had given them not only sustenance for their bodies but also nourishment for their souls. They were now even more determined to continue their journey together, armed with newfound support from Mrs Mhlongo, ready to share their knowledge and challenge societal beliefs that held people back.
As they finished their meal, Maya and her sister couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unexpected encounter and the exciting prospects that lay ahead. Eager to explore this partnership, they left Hungry Lion with hearts full of hope, embarking on a path that was now brighter and more promising than ever before.