LYNETTE - Back to Basics with the Bushmen
posted on 2010-07-01 10:46:10
Plans change – again … Michael and I find ourselves in Johannesburg … We have decided to stay a little while – consolidate and reflect on our travels to date and explore business options. Having been stuck in the sand in our car, Loerie, one too many times, we will also be looking for a 4 x 4 to continue our Africa travels with. So – Please keep your eyes open for a good 2nd hand Land Rover Defender 110! The perfect one is on its way to us through the manifestation process!
I have been struggling with a pinched nerve in my neck which sends shooting pains down my left arm and shoulder for some time. Not a fan of traditional medicine, I even resorted to the journey from GP to X-rays to MRI (all in Port Elizabeth) and finally neuro surgeon in JHB today. Thankfully he said Nature cures 80% of such cases over time and to sit through the pain for another 4 – 6 weeks, after which time the pain should fade …. That I can do! I hope Michael can continue to sit through my grumpiness when I’m really sore!!!
We continue to be blessed with all sorts of amazing adventures. The most incredible was a week’s trip to Maun, Botswana camping with a group of Bushmen. I will never forget, while taking our tent down, looking up to see two Bushmen bounding towards us through the bush, clothed only in their loin cloths and huge smiles … Something deep in me stirred. There was an ancient recognition, mixed with emotions of excitement, joy, love and a wondering of what we would experience. Together we laughed, gathered and cooked edible plants – fruit, roots and nuts, experienced a hunt, learnt to shoot bows and arrows and make fire with fire sticks and played with the children. I am overwhelmed when I think that I am possibly the only person on earth to have done headstands, summersaults, cartwheels and rolled in the sand with a group of Bushmen children! Michael joined me in games with the children. That was great! And I think the first of many times we will play with the children of Africa! Healing Africa through play!
We also learnt many new words – Not, until now, one for languages, I really battled with the click sounds! I made a very deep connection with a very powerful and wise Bushman lady – she gave me her name, Ju’!o – pronounced Juquo. Michael was named after her husband, Kxao – pronounced Kgau. I am humbled by their simplicity, gentleness, friendliness, self assurance and acceptance of themselves, each other and us as they constantly held eye contact
A profound realisation for me was their footprints – gliding barefoot though the bush, they leave hardly any footprint in the sand. Being so light on their feet, they move silently, effortlessly and respectfully. Leaving nothing behind and damaging nothing in their paths. A stark contrast to me blundering through thorn bushes, breaking branches, stomping on grass and plants with my shoes with what seemed like twice as much effort and about a hundred times less grace.
We walked over countless massive elephant spoor in the sand made during the last rains many months ago. I could feel the lingering presence of the elephants – A strong sense of their femininity, power and nurturing – archaic. Directly reflected within and through the Bushmen as they live in harmony with their world.
I have below are a few photos and the link to a short video of me learning to hunt – not being a meat eater, I could use my new found skills “hunting” veggies! There are also more pics on Michael's blog of 11 - 17 June. Reflecting back on the photos, being dirty and close to the earth for days, I felt a lot more “real” out there!
Our latest blessing is our new HOME! We will be renting a cottage on a friend’s plot in a gentle and peaceful nature reserve out past LanseriaAirport, between the Home of the Chicken Pie and Broederstroom. On our first trip there, I found myself directing Michael with a, “Turn left at the zebras!” A mere 200m from the Crocodile River, it will be a base from which we can work, play, explore and travel. A place to come home to and to settle from time to time. We move in on Friday!
These truly ARE the “days of our lives”!!!
For our SA & Gauteng friends, we look forward to connecting while we are here. Perhaps pop in for a visit and a spot of rejuvenation on the banks of the Crocodile River!!!
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