Finding Presence in the Wild:
A Journey of Connection and Reflection

Sometimes, we have a life-altering experience. For me, this happened when I visited South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana. I was far away from daily engagement with news, politics, and my everyday routine. I wasn’t “totally” off the grid because I photographed and posted pictures along with an occasional Nature Walk Talk. On a future trip, I may disconnect totally, but this was not that trip. Despite that, I felt deeply connected with the people I met and the animals I observed.

What was amazing for me was intentionally creating the time and space necessary to be fully present, relying on each of my senses to give me access to full, meaningful experiences. My perception sharpened over the days I was there. I heard and saw differently. I was swathed with scents so potent (particularly African sage) that at times I shut my eyes just to savor the intensity. I relished the impact on my entire being.

And my mind slowed down. I remembered differently—I seemed more absorbed. Had I received an upgrade in my recall for names and places? New layers of thought became available because I could contemplate, not just think. Was all this happening because I was relaxed? In a totally different environment? Singularly focused?

How could that be? I believe I live my everyday life with consciousness, presence, and attention. But this was different. In a setting with what appeared to be endless space, I felt infinite space inside of myself. I began, reflected on, and finished a thought! There were few interruptions, and when they happened, I overrode them to stay in the moment. Unconsciously, I prioritized space, musing, and observation. It seemed so easy, so natural. Over time, it became “second nature.”

My body, which had been “speaking” to me before I left on the trip—something akin to a constant commentary involving my right shoulder and my right ankle—quieted down. In fact, soon after arriving, I could not remember (even with my newly discovered memory) which shoulder had been the reason I was practically living at the physical therapist’s office the week before my departure. NOTHING HURT! I was bouncing around in an overland vehicle for multiple hours at a time and I was just fine. In fact, it was the opposite. Every part of my body felt great.

So, what’s happening? Well, a lot of things. This trip taught me a lot about my responsibility for how I want to live my life. When I think I am paying attention (and there are several other things going on, or multiple lists forming, or snippets of conversations in my head), I am NOT actually “paying attention.” Certainly not in the way I am when gazing at a leopard, baboon, or an elephant in the wild. So, what can I do to change that? How can I feel better about being present when other competing thoughts and actions wiggle into my space?

One solution came to me as I reviewed the photos of the trip. I realized that when I look at them rather than scan them, I take a moment and “breathe” as I recall the scene; the whole scene: how I felt (mesmerized, curious, delighted, concerned), where I was (in the vehicle looking at: the savannah? the delta? a tree? underneath a bush? between the reeds in a river?) and what I noticed (sights, smells, sounds, textures of the air, the wind). I felt happy, connected, engaged, and there was nowhere else I wanted to be.

Upon returning home, I learned that the world stage had not improved. Hate-filled rhetoric and actions were still taking center stage. Political figures continued to behave in ways that should embarrass them but, instead, embolden them. I learned that some friends were ill, one had died. People who mean a lot to me were going through difficult life challenges. I want to be there for them while maintaining my ability to be present, focused, and healthy.

There is much research supporting the countless benefits of reliving happy memories. This act alone can buffer us against the damaging effects of acute and chronic stress. After returning from this trip, I will make a daily practice of reliving happy memories. Savoring past joys helps us re-experience that past event in a positive way (specifically, we can feel emotions that we felt when we had the original experience). I have written about this in the past. Re-experiencing positive memories also helps us to regulate our emotions in the present to promote our well-being.

Engaging with these photos and brief videos help me to regain a sense of peace and purpose. Each encounter I observed taught me something about animal and human behavior. I am hopeful that watching the animals (and many of the people) inspires me to hypothesize about our own behavior, which will help me in how I show up for the people in my life.

Working with Uncertainty

In a world that often feels like it’s in constant flux, dealing with the inevitability of uncertainty can be challenging. From global events to personal upheavals, the unpredictability of life affects us all. However, embracing this uncertainty rather than fearing it can open pathways to personal growth and resilience.

Let’s explore strategies to effectively navigate through these uncertain times, maintaining our composure and finding peace amid the chaos.

Build Flexibility and Resilience. One of the keys to managing uncertainty is cultivating flexibility in our thoughts and actions. This means being open to change and adapting our plans as needed without losing sight of our overall goals. Resilience is built through this flexibility, enabling us to integrate “setbacks” and adjust our course with confidence. To foster resilience, we can start by setting broad goals that can be adapted as circumstances change. As we regularly reassess and adjust our plans, we can remain open to new opportunities and solutions that may arise unexpectedly.

Maintain a Positive Mindset. Another crucial aspect is maintaining a positive outlook. This doesn’t mean ignoring the realities of a situation. Rather, we choose to focus on the potential positive outcomes rather than dwell on the worst-case scenarios. Practicing gratitude can be especially powerful in uncertain times. By appreciating what we have in the present, we can anchor ourselves in positivity, which shields us from the paralyzing effects of fear and anxiety. Engage in daily reflections or keep a gratitude journal to remind ourselves of the good in our life, despite external uncertainties.

Lean on and Build Our Community. Finally, we can remember that we don’t have to face uncertainty alone. Leaning on a support network of family, friends, or professional counselors can provide emotional stability and valuable perspectives. Sharing our concerns and listening to others can lessen the burden of uncertainty, providing comfort and innovative ideas for navigating challenges. Additionally, it can be beneficial to join community groups or forums where collective wisdom and experiences can offer guidance and reassurance.

While uncertainty is an inherent part of life, it doesn’t have to overwhelm us. By developing flexibility, fostering a positive mindset, and seeking support, we can not only manage but thrive amid life’s uncertainties. Let these strategies be our guide as we navigate the unpredictable waters, and remember, often it’s through the most unforeseeable paths that we grow and discover our true potential.

Embracing Stillness Each Morning

Consider starting each day with a purposeful pause to cultivate inner peace before diving into daily activities. Set aside the first few minutes after waking to engage in a mindful practice that resonates with you. This could be a gentle stretching routine, a short meditation focusing on deep, rhythmic breathing, or simply enjoying the quiet of the morning without digital distractions.

This daily commitment to stillness helps reset our mental state, grounding us in the present moment. It’s a precious time to connect with our inner self, setting intentions and mentally preparing for the day ahead. By regularly dedicating time to this practice, we not only enhance our mornings but also improve our overall mindfulness, helping us manage the day with greater composure and intentionality.