A Different Perspective: Healing Through Common Ground
In our coaching practice, we frequently explore diverse methods for promoting unity, teamwork, and collaboration. Today, I'm thrilled to introduce an exceptional YouTube video offering a fresh and distinctive outlook on how division can be reconciled through shared experiences and common practices.
Video Title: "Lifting the Sky with Margaret Read MacDonald"
Link: Watch Here
Among the vast corpus of universal myths, there exists a story, widely known as the Tower of Babel within the European Judeo-Christian tradition. This age-old narrative recounts the tale of humanity's ambitious endeavor to build a tower that would reach the heavens. However, it's often noted for its emphasis on the faults of the people who embarked on this colossal construction project. In the Christian tradition, this division of languages is often interpreted as a sanction for human arrogance towards God. Yet, the story's origins can be traced to even older texts, notably the "Enuma Elish." The Bible, drawing from these older texts, presents its own version of the narrative but remains silent on any solutions to the divisions that arose from the tower's construction. However, there are other narratives—stories that present a different perspective, one of healing and unity.
Lifting the Sky: A Skagit Narrative
Indeed, a distinct approach to this issue arises when we recognize that it's a product of the inherent nature of human existence, not guilt. Let me now share a remarkable tale passed down through generations by Vi “taqÊ·Å¡É™blu” Hilbert, an Upper Skagit Elder. This story is a cherished seed narrative in the Pacific Northwest, where many speak Lushootseed. It's known as "Lifting the Sky," taking on special significance when considering the low-hanging clouds in Seattle.
The Creator embarked on a journey across our vast world, carrying a basket filled with languages and a face too radiant for human eyes. His mission: bestow languages upon all the people in this land. Each tribe received its language - the Iroquois, Cherokee, Seminole, Hopi, Navajo, and more. Upon reaching the Pacific Northwest, he still had countless languages left. So, he released them all at once, resulting in a tapestry of diverse tongues that hindered cooperation.
Another challenge arose. The Creator had left the sky too low, causing tall individuals to bump into it and impede those attempting to climb to the sky before their time. Chiefs united to find a solution. They coined a word - "Yahow" - signifying cooperation. With this word in hand, they sought tall poles to push against the sky.
Ready and united, they shouted, "Yahow!" while pushing with all their might, causing the sky to rise slightly. They tried again but with the same result. One more time, they shouted together, "Yahow!" The sky ascended to its current height, preventing further head bumps.
In essence, this story exemplifies the outcomes possible when we share a single word and work together. It underscores the potency of unity. If you wish to share this story, you can find it in "Peace Tales: World Folktales to Talk About" by Margaret Reed McDonald, where it's transcribed in her own words.
This Skagit First Nation narrative stands in stark contrast to the Judeo-Christian version. It's a story that speaks to the potential of healing divisions. The focus is not on the faults of the people who built the tower but on the possibility of bridging the gap between different communities and cultures. Through shared narratives and cultural understanding, Skagit Vi “taqÊ·Å¡É™blu” Hilbert's tale reminds us that our differences can be a source of strength rather than division.
The Sumerian Myth: Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta
In exploring narratives from different cultures, we also encounter the Sumerian myth of Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta. In this tale, Enmerkar of Uruk is building a massive ziggurat in Eridu and demands a tribute of precious materials from Aratta for its construction. He sends an envoy, along with specific threats to destroy Aratta and disperse its people if they do not send the tribute. It's a narrative that delves into themes of ambition, rivalry, and linguistic unity. Enmerkar, in one translation, recites the "Incantation of Nudimmud," a hymn imploring Enki to restore the linguistic unity of the inhabited regions, encompassing Shubur, Hamazi, Sumer, Uri-ki (the region around Akkad), and the Martu land. The hymn envisions a time when man has no rivals, and all the well-guarded people address Enlil together in a single language, emphasizing unity and the power of language.
The original text of the Enuma Elis, especially in this account of Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta, puts much emphasis on the finding of single name or word as a solution.
"On that day when there is no snake, when there is no scorpion, when there is no hyena, when there is no lion, when there is neither dog nor wolf, when there is thus neither fear nor trembling, man has no rival! At such a time, may the lands of Shubur and Hamazi, the many-tongued, and Sumer, the great mountain of the me of magnificence, and Akkad, the land possessing all that is befitting, and the Martu land, resting in security — the whole universe, the well-guarded people — may they all address Enlil together in a single language! For at that time, for the ambitious lords, for the ambitious princes, for the ambitious kings — Enki, the lord of abundance and of steadfast decisions, the wise and knowing lord of the Land, the expert of the gods, chosen for wisdom, the lord of Eridug, shall change the speech in their mouths, as many as he had placed there, and so the speech of mankind is truly one."
(Source: ETCSL project. (2006). Enmerkar and the lord of Aratta: translation. The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature. Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Oxford)
It's worth noting that this word, shouted in unison, is predominantly omitted in the Judean tradition, often reduced to the name "Hashem," which, in essence, means "the name" literally. Intriguingly, one of the Jewish versions to name God as "Yahwe" bears a resemblance to the Skagit "Yahow."
Rather than speculating on etymological connections, let's focus on the act of people collectively shouting the word, much like a chant or shared practice. This emphasizes the contrast between communal, inclusive practices and the more analytical, deciphering approach often adopted by researchers.
The falling of the sky
The Skagit story serves as a vital bridge between two intriguing phenomena. While the "Enuma Elish" and the European context don't delve into the notion of the sky falling, our ancestors, the Celts, held a deep-rooted belief that the sky was held aloft by columns or supports. The fear of the sky collapsing was a recurring theme in their mythology and folklore, often featuring heroic figures embarking on quests to prevent this catastrophic event.
In contrast, the "Enuma Elish," the ancient text that partly inspires the Tower of Babel narrative, doesn't explicitly address the concept of the sky falling. Instead, it offers an alternative context for the diversification of languages and cultures.
The Skagit story creates a link between these two phenomena. It connects the intricate web of language genealogy and the misunderstandings that arise due to language splits with the concept of the "falling of the skies." While we often tend to consider it as an astronomical phenomenon initially, there can be an alternative interpretation. Through this story, we can rediscover lost knowledge and understand that a shared language emerges from shared practices and the awareness of belonging to a shared ecosystem. It conveys that social cohesion and organic growth are natural but require active reconnection through practice to keep the skies from falling.
Another noteworthy difference lies in the narrative approach. In the Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman traditions, there's often a strong emphasis on heroic figures, typically male heroes, who take on the responsibility of solving the world's problems. These heroes are often portrayed as lone saviors, bearing the weight of the world on their shoulders.
However, the Skagit story serves as a poignant reminder that social problems necessitate social solutions. It underscores the idea that addressing complex issues, such as linguistic diversity and cultural divisions, is not the sole burden of a single heroic figure but a collective effort. The story highlights the power of unity and cooperation in resolving challenges that affect entire communities, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility and communal solutions.
Embracing Diversity and Unity
In a world where division and misunderstanding are all too common, these narratives offer us a unique perspective. They encourage us to embrace diversity and cultural heritage as pathways to unity. By understanding and respecting the stories and values of different cultures, we can forge connections and build bridges, ultimately healing divisions.
For coaches and leaders, these narratives hold valuable lessons. They remind us that as we work to bring people together and foster collaboration, we can look beyond the faults and divisions to find common ground. They exemplify the potential of shared stories and cultural values in our coaching practice and in life.
As you explore these narratives, consider how their profound messages can be integrated into your coaching approach. Let them inspire you to embrace diversity, foster unity, and create harmonious connections through the understanding of different cultural narratives.
In the end, we are not just shaping individuals as coaches; we are shaping a better, more harmonious world. These lesser-known narratives offer paths towards that brighter future.
Listen to this original telling by Upper Skagit Elder Vi “taqÊ·Å¡É™blu” Hilbert, as recorded at the University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives. It's the incredible rendition of "Lifting the Sky" that served as the inspiration for our project. Enjoy the storytelling!
"Lifting the Sky" originates from Chief William Shelton (Tulalip) and was published in English in 1923. Vi shared this tale during the Spring Revels, with the assistance of a children's cast and the attentive audience. (Videorecording by Padma Guidi, Spring Revels, Scottish Rite Temple, Seattle, 5-2-93).
