It’s been a while since we posted on Wilkinsons World, but that is only because we have recently returned from one of our longest trips to the bush. This time we spent four weeks immersed in the untamed beauty of Kruger National Park. I know there are many campers who are away from home for much longer periods (lucky folks!), but we do have other commitments at home and to stay away for any longer would not be fair to people who are relying on us for our community involvement.
Four weeks gave me plenty of time to contemplate what it is about the bush that really draws me, because let’s face it, when visiting a national park one sees the same old animals virtually every single time. I’ve seen hundreds of zebras and impalas, elephants and lions, and I guess it would be easy to get complacent about them and just drive past in search of the next best unusual sighting.
After much thought a revelation dawned on me: the essence of nature lies not solely in its inhabitants, but in the profound act of being present in the moment. Each visit to the park unfolds a unique tapestry of experiences, inviting me to live in the now, to embrace the transient beauty unfolding before my eyes. When a lion cub sits next to a majestic lion, I watch with joy, not giving any thought to what else is going on in the world, what to make for dinner, or what work is waiting for me back home.
As I contemplated the teachings of Eckhardt Tolle on the significance of the present moment, I realized how easily we succumb to the frenetic pace of modern life, our minds tethered to obligations and distractions. Yet amidst the ceaseless hustle, nature beckons us to slow down, to savour the simplicity of existence, and to reconnect mindfully with the world around us.
I think the world needs more people to take time out in nature so that they can reunite with the earth and its creatures. It’s a way of recalibrating and returning to equilibrium. Choose those quiet places and see how nature can enrich your body, mind and soul.
“I drove south looking for adventure and on the way I met folks driving north looking for adventure”
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