3 lessons from the savannah
Elephants and zebras visiting a watering hole in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
On my most recent trip, I left something important behind.
That something… was a part of my heart.
I left it on the savannah in Zimbabwe. I left it dancing amongst the dust devils, the elephants and the carmine bee-eaters.
I was in Zimbabwe because I was lucky enough to go on safari with my kids, a trip spearheaded by my husband, notwithstanding (I’ll admit it) a little resistance on my part.
When he first broached the idea, the same old stories ran through my head.
“It’s such a mission to do this. I really don't have the energy."
"I don't have time for this right now."
“I’m travelling so much already. This feels indulgent."
“I don't want to mess with my routine."
At the bottom of it all was the real story: “I’m in the comfort zone, and I’m nice and cosy in here. I don’t feel like budging, thanks very much.”
Luckily my husband was on a mission, and I ended up going along for the ride. And I’m so glad I did. Because, while I left things behind, I gained a lot, too.
I gained a new perspective, I gained life lessons, and I gained a deep connection back to the wild, raw part of me that feels so in tune with Nature, Life, and the Universe.
Here’s a little bit about what I learned from that awe-inspiring trip.
Lesson #1: We live on the most incredible planet
I knew this already. But out there in the wild, away from cars, people, internet, fences, buildings… wow. Seeing the vast expanse of land and sky, and the way it all interacts, was profound.
It made me more clear than ever on what matters: our beautiful Earth. She is a diamond. It is a privilege to be here. And it’s time we stepped up and took our roles as custodians of this precious planet and her creatures.
A rainbow over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – one of the seven natural wonders of the world
Lesson #2: The circle of life
Cue Rafiki holding Simba up to the sky in The Lion King, with Elton John singing in the background.
Really, though. The circle of life is quite something to witness.
I saw baby elephants and lions, and I delighted in the joyful presence of vibrant new life.
I saw the way trees have evolved with thicker ‘over-skins,' new layers of bark specially designed to protect them from forest fires and from hungry animals.
I saw death and decay, and I grieved.
I saw one animal become food for another. I saw trees and plants decimated by elephants as they searched for scarce food.
I saw the scavengers at work, too.
While we might be repulsed by vultures and hyenas, by cockroaches, rats and flies, they all have their purpose in the food chain. They erase the mess left by the rest of us. They eliminate harmful substances and diseases from the environment, so that they can’t spread to the rest of us.
I gained newfound respect for these creatures, who are the cleaners of the world. We need them.
The ultimate lesson here? Everyone has their part to play. We are all connected. Everyone is important and we all feed each other. On the savannah, and off it, we are part of a complex and beautiful dance of life, death and reciprocity.
Young elephants watched over by a mature elephant in Hwange National Park
Lesson #3: Digital detox rocks
I thought we would have Wi-fi in camp (because there’s Wi-fi everywhere now, right?!) and it turns out… we didn’t. I found myself almost completely off the grid, and I decided to embrace it.
I’d never really felt the desire or inclination to do a digital detox, but after six days offline, I felt completely different. I was able to relax on a whole new level and be fully present with my husband and kids. I read a couple of books. I watched elephants drinking at the water hole. I stared out at the world instead of down at my phone.
I really FELT the impact on my nervous system of being wired-up all the time.
The difference was so palpable that I now want to make this a ‘thing.’ Something I do once a month, perhaps, for a day.
More on that once I’ve road-tested this. (I promise not to get preachy about it.)
And yes, I appreciate the irony of me talking to you about getting off devices as I sit writing this on my computer, while you read my email on your computer or your smartphone.
That said, I'll wrap it up. And I'll invite you to consider putting your phone down, or getting off your laptop, for just a few minutes. Five or 10 would do. Take a break, walk around, go connect with people. Look at your loved ones, look at this WORLD.
This planet is special.
And the fact that you’re here at all? The chances of you being born are 1 in 400,000,000,0000,000.
That makes you very, very special, too.