Orienting to the natural succession of relational events rather than abstract temporal units, aligning human rhythm with what actually needs attention.
Laozi observed that natural systems flow without rigid measurement—water follows terrain, seasons turn without clocks. Event-based time in ubuntu cultures operates similarly: the day unfolds through necessary interactions (a birth, a conflict, a harvest) rather than hours. This concept liberates communities from the colonial imposition of industrial time that fragments relationships into discrete, commodified units. When a Sotho community gathers for a crucial decision, the meeting ends when the decision is made, not when the scheduled hour expires. The Taoist understanding of flow—recognizing natural rhythms and moving with them—directly supports this orientation. Clock-time serves administration; event-flow serves relationality. The framework teaches leaders and facilitators to develop sensitivity to readiness, completion, and natural endpoints. In hybrid contexts where both systems operate, this concept helps communities maintain relational integrity while navigating external temporal demands.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
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