Reality on a Stick

What is this “mojo” of which you speak? (from my Facebook Notes)
Friday, February 27, 2009 at 5:29pm 

(the following is a ‘work in progress’ related to an online community I plan to launch later this year. Bouncing it off of y’all for early reactions, feedback…)

The word ‘mojo’ has many roots, but seems to have its etymological (word) origins in a handful of African tribal languages and commonly refers to a charm or amulet, as popularized in the voodoo/hoodoo/black magic scene. A mojo charm would be worn under the clothing to ward off evil, sickness and bad luck, and conversely to attract goodness, health and serendipity (unexpected good luck).

Of course, when I talk about mojo, I am using the word symbolically to refer to something a bit less tangible. When I refer to mojo, I mean that confidence–that certainty and calm–which emerges from the collective will of the many when their guards are down, their minds open and their hearts full. This environment, I believe, is where authentic love, trust, courage, hope and happiness are born. And this is what we must strive to create more of in the world around us, every day, if we indeed hope to experience meaningful mutual support with our loved ones. Mojo is difficult to put your finger on, because it doesn’t exist inside a person, but rather emanates from their positive relationships with others. When several or more individuals succeed in nurturing mojo among them, the power is amplified, and sometimes mind-blowing. 

Mojo as I refer to it, therefore, is not a spiritual concept but rather a phenomenological observation regarding how shared positive emotions affect and influence the individual. Rest assured that mojo, as we here define it, is not in conflict with any religious beliefs or metaphysical philosophies.

I’ve been trying to pin this thing down my entire life, but I think I’ve just about got it now. Call it what you will: call it collaborative energy; call it cooperative juice; call it synergy; call it LOVE; call it whatever. I’m calling it MOJO.

You will agree with the above characterization, and its consequences, if you can accept the following:

1. The defining positive characteristics of human nature are humility and compassion.
2. We humans are at our best when we are (humbly and compassionately) contributing to and sharing in the greater overall good.
3. Positive communities inspire in us increased humility and compassion , and motivate us to contribute more to the greater overall good. 
4. We humans can improve the quality of our lives, collectively and as individuals, by nurturing our support networks and the environments in which they exist.

Thoughts?