Hello Humane-ity,

We are always human, but when are we humane?

Humane: characterized by tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for people  and animals, especially for the suffering or distressed, acting in a manner that causes the least harm. (dictionary.com)

Humane treatment of others is actually at the front of many problems today. Our divisive laws, conversations, and culture wars are possible because we have lost touch with treating each other humanely. What I didn’t realize is it’s even in the way we talk.

Just the other day, my partner told me a story about taking off our gloves when having real conversations. Putting the fists away and not trying to land the knockout blow to win. That we need to invite those we are talking with to do the same. As well meaning as I am, I also fall into this trap of trying to win conversations.

Communication in every media outlet available is done with fighting words.  Every segment begins and ends with a sure answer and shut down of another, never actually learning anything new. Never being allowed to think. We are shown heavy hitting verbal punches over and over. No wonder discourse is seen as so exhausting.

I want a more humane world. I want myself, and the world, to treat, speak and be more humane. I think we have a shot and TaKeTiNa can help us get there.

TaKeTiNa brings humans into rhythm and a shared experience. A group of once strangers is lead  together into steps, claps, singing, creating, laughter, mistakes, falling out and come together again. Negotiating chaos, order and learning together. Enjoying music-making without pretense, and getting the benefit of growing our personal capacity for compassion, tenderness, understanding, sympathy, humanness and humaneness.

I hope you can make it this weekend. Come be human, grow that humane-ity, laugh, play and be.

Peace,
Jacob Stein
TaKeTiNa Human