In the distant past when I traveled perhaps I would take a lot of photos, I'd tell people that I had been there and I would soon forget and go back to the daily grind.
You learn something about yourself when you travel.
You also learn something about yourself when you practice yoga.
I recently had the opportunity to travel to Zimbabwe, Africa. I felt the excitement of going somewhere new! I did not mind the two days of travel and the long layover in London that allowed us to hop into the city.
I joined the 4X4 Club on their Sunday drive to a Wildlife Sanctuary and had my first African braai! I taught Office Yoga at the US Embassy in Harare, I enjoyed shopping at the markets, (I am not a shopper.) I ate delicious food that the locals eat with their fingers (I did not.) I embraced the trips across town dodging the potholes, I soaked up the sunshine and let it fill my soul.
I was mindful and savored every moment.
The cold chilly mornings before we went on safari, bundled up to stay warm. It was a blessing to feel the warmth of the sun as it rose high into the sky.
My feet connected with the sandy soil as we quietly walked into the presence of the rhinoceros. The plains were dotted with termite mounds that were good hiding spots for the lions in search of dinner. The zebra, the wildebeest, the warthog and all the antelope shared the wide open space. The giraffes stayed mostly in the trees and walked peacefully and gracefully to the water hole. Most of which were dried up from lack of rain.
We stopped to watch the sun go down and the bush became alive with the little mammals that come out at night as we drove back to camp.
I loved the authenticity of the Zimbabwean people. I felt that no one was a stranger as they smiled and waved. And where I saw a field of grass, they saw the makings of a thatched roof. The school in the village was overcrowded but the children were happy to be there.
Victoria Falls (Thundering Smoke) is the largest sheet of falling water in the world, one of the Seven Natural Wonders. But I think there are more. I think you and I are also wonders of the world.
I watched the full moon rise above the Falls and the sun set on Zambezi River at the same time. I could feel the lunar pull at my back as my eyes were being drawn back to the changing color of sky.
And then it was time to leave. My feet were happy to be back on the trail at home. The wild flowers are blooming and the snow still sits on the mountain top. I savored the moment.
The moment when I realized a little piece of my heart was still in Africa, that my feet felt the energy of the plains of Zimbabwe and the mountains of Colorado at the same time. I savored the moment when I felt the interconnectedness of all humanity.
And I know that I am truly blessed to have learned to bear witness and to feel all of the emotions that go along with traveling and a yoga practice.
Cheers & Namaste,
deEtta
You learn something about yourself when you travel.
You also learn something about yourself when you practice yoga.
I recently had the opportunity to travel to Zimbabwe, Africa. I felt the excitement of going somewhere new! I did not mind the two days of travel and the long layover in London that allowed us to hop into the city.
I joined the 4X4 Club on their Sunday drive to a Wildlife Sanctuary and had my first African braai! I taught Office Yoga at the US Embassy in Harare, I enjoyed shopping at the markets, (I am not a shopper.) I ate delicious food that the locals eat with their fingers (I did not.) I embraced the trips across town dodging the potholes, I soaked up the sunshine and let it fill my soul.
I was mindful and savored every moment.
The cold chilly mornings before we went on safari, bundled up to stay warm. It was a blessing to feel the warmth of the sun as it rose high into the sky.
My feet connected with the sandy soil as we quietly walked into the presence of the rhinoceros. The plains were dotted with termite mounds that were good hiding spots for the lions in search of dinner. The zebra, the wildebeest, the warthog and all the antelope shared the wide open space. The giraffes stayed mostly in the trees and walked peacefully and gracefully to the water hole. Most of which were dried up from lack of rain.
We stopped to watch the sun go down and the bush became alive with the little mammals that come out at night as we drove back to camp.
I loved the authenticity of the Zimbabwean people. I felt that no one was a stranger as they smiled and waved. And where I saw a field of grass, they saw the makings of a thatched roof. The school in the village was overcrowded but the children were happy to be there.
Victoria Falls (Thundering Smoke) is the largest sheet of falling water in the world, one of the Seven Natural Wonders. But I think there are more. I think you and I are also wonders of the world.
I watched the full moon rise above the Falls and the sun set on Zambezi River at the same time. I could feel the lunar pull at my back as my eyes were being drawn back to the changing color of sky.
And then it was time to leave. My feet were happy to be back on the trail at home. The wild flowers are blooming and the snow still sits on the mountain top. I savored the moment.
The moment when I realized a little piece of my heart was still in Africa, that my feet felt the energy of the plains of Zimbabwe and the mountains of Colorado at the same time. I savored the moment when I felt the interconnectedness of all humanity.
And I know that I am truly blessed to have learned to bear witness and to feel all of the emotions that go along with traveling and a yoga practice.
Cheers & Namaste,
deEtta
RSS Feed