On a game-viewing vehicle at Stanley & Livingstone Reserve looking out for wildlife Mindful Safari for 2023 has come to an end - and as always, Koala and I come away from the experience feeling extremely fortunate about the extraordinary experiences we shared, uplifted by the special connections we made with people from around the world, somewhat exhausted from all the organising – and eager to return to this uniquely beautiful part of Africa.
I am new to your Substack although I have read two of your DLC books and found them soulful and sweet. These pictures and descriptions were a great trip themselves. I’m unable to consider something this strenuous in person, but I enjoyed it vicariously. It is a gift to even hear about a guru or a lama in one’s lifetime and I have been blessed with some amazing encounters with both. Thank you for sharing.
I am so very glad that you enjoyed the safari vicariously, Jana. You are absolutely right about it being a gift simply to hear about a guru or lama, the foundation of all realisations. I hope you enjoy more of these Saturday posts!
In the West, we truly (nearly) always look up, and often away, from what is happening to others, in other places and those less fortunate than ourselves. Rather than think thank goodness, now let's carry on, it is surely a cue to say that, yes, I am grateful, and now how can I help them be equally as lucky or onto the road to success?
It is wonderful to see that small acts, like single drops in the ocean, make a huge difference when combined. Often, it takes only a little, too, to make a huge impact. A little kindness/compassion, a little bit of money, education, or even food can be life-changing or saving to all sentient beings.
Seeing it in action is so heartwarming. Thank you, David, for leading by gentle example.🙏💙🐈🧩
Thank you, David. Your posts, almost alone in my inbox, give me a felt appreciation for happiness and the true causes of happiness...reverence, gratitude, generosity, inner calm. Now I'm filled with a sunrise over a wide river. Thanks. Kathy
If you went on a retreat with David you would treat that mighty Zambezi River like a god. I do it’s the most powerful feeling you can have next to that river.
I am so excited to be going on the next Mindful Safari in July. I love your photos and descriptions. The experience appears so rich on every level imaginable. A dear friend is joining me on this adventure. And I know the group who will be with us will be amazingly diverse and like-minded. Thank you for putting your love of Zimbabwe into this wonderful experience.
You won’t regret experiencing Zimbabwe, but to do it with a man who is so dedicated to Zimbabwe, his dedication to Buddhism will just make it the trip of your life. You will never forget it.
Exactly, Tom! A Buddhist friend here in Zim told me today that while people's external suffering here is in your face, in more developed countries the suffering is more of the mental variety.
Beautiful, David! I loved seeing your gorgeous photos, too — they brought back happy memories of my time in this precious part of the planet. Thank you!
I am still assimilating all the wonderful moments on my Mindful Safari this August. The setting, the lodges, the lodge staff, the food....all extraordinary. With David's guideance I was able to find a meditation technique that has totally up-leveled my time on the cushion. I look forward to each day's meditation session now! David is so masterful in his understanding of Buddhist principles and his ability to convey it in understandable terms is amazing. Everyone on the trip was delightful. I would definitely do a repeat. 🙏
What a beautiful endorsement, Mariposa, my heartfelt thanks. It was lovely having you join us and I hope the rest of your time in Africa was equally special! Warmest wishes, David
I can’t find a better way to say thank you. Your emails are a wonderful way to connect with the Mindful Safari, to me. I love the animal photos, and the school kids, and the group of girls dancing, is wonderful the way you help others.
10 note books & 10 pencils or 10 of anything is really nothing to children in our school system but hugely important to those deprived children. What lovely offering & so simple. Delighted all went well & the wildlife of Africa still amazing to see before your very eyes.
I am new to your Substack although I have read two of your DLC books and found them soulful and sweet. These pictures and descriptions were a great trip themselves. I’m unable to consider something this strenuous in person, but I enjoyed it vicariously. It is a gift to even hear about a guru or a lama in one’s lifetime and I have been blessed with some amazing encounters with both. Thank you for sharing.
I am so very glad that you enjoyed the safari vicariously, Jana. You are absolutely right about it being a gift simply to hear about a guru or lama, the foundation of all realisations. I hope you enjoy more of these Saturday posts!
In the West, we truly (nearly) always look up, and often away, from what is happening to others, in other places and those less fortunate than ourselves. Rather than think thank goodness, now let's carry on, it is surely a cue to say that, yes, I am grateful, and now how can I help them be equally as lucky or onto the road to success?
It is wonderful to see that small acts, like single drops in the ocean, make a huge difference when combined. Often, it takes only a little, too, to make a huge impact. A little kindness/compassion, a little bit of money, education, or even food can be life-changing or saving to all sentient beings.
Seeing it in action is so heartwarming. Thank you, David, for leading by gentle example.🙏💙🐈🧩
My sincere thanks for your ongoing support, Erin. Extending kindness to others is unquestionably the path to happiness.
Thank you, David. Your posts, almost alone in my inbox, give me a felt appreciation for happiness and the true causes of happiness...reverence, gratitude, generosity, inner calm. Now I'm filled with a sunrise over a wide river. Thanks. Kathy
Your message is beautifully responsive, thank you so much Kathy!
If you went on a retreat with David you would treat that mighty Zambezi River like a god. I do it’s the most powerful feeling you can have next to that river.
Great reading about the safari and seeing the fotos, also seeing how the safaris help local people, you are an inspiration to never give up caring.
There are so many who we can help with such small acts - you're quite right, Gill!
I am so excited to be going on the next Mindful Safari in July. I love your photos and descriptions. The experience appears so rich on every level imaginable. A dear friend is joining me on this adventure. And I know the group who will be with us will be amazingly diverse and like-minded. Thank you for putting your love of Zimbabwe into this wonderful experience.
Can't wait to have you and your friend join us in Victoria Falls next year, Penelope!
You won’t regret experiencing Zimbabwe, but to do it with a man who is so dedicated to Zimbabwe, his dedication to Buddhism will just make it the trip of your life. You will never forget it.
Thank you for taking us to Africa!
Everything about you and your writing seems mindful…
I can’t tell you in enough words how you have inspired me!
Thank you. Thank you Thank you !… Bowing🙏💟 Adrienne
My heartfelt thanks, Adrienne. Any inspiration is passed on from my own lamas.
Wonderful post and pictures. We don’t know how lucky (or unlucky) we are.
Exactly, Tom! A Buddhist friend here in Zim told me today that while people's external suffering here is in your face, in more developed countries the suffering is more of the mental variety.
Oh so beautiful
A lovely reminder of the Zimbabwe I knew and loved as a child growing up.
Thank you so much David, for sharing your wonderful images and experiences with us
My great pleasure, Margaret!
Beautiful, David! I loved seeing your gorgeous photos, too — they brought back happy memories of my time in this precious part of the planet. Thank you!
So pleased to hear this, thanks Karen!
I’m trying real hard to feel sympathetic joy but I’m afraid what I am feeling is envy!! :) The Mindful Safari sounds absolutely wonderful!!
Thanks, Donna, for your brutal honesty! It is wonderful!
I am still assimilating all the wonderful moments on my Mindful Safari this August. The setting, the lodges, the lodge staff, the food....all extraordinary. With David's guideance I was able to find a meditation technique that has totally up-leveled my time on the cushion. I look forward to each day's meditation session now! David is so masterful in his understanding of Buddhist principles and his ability to convey it in understandable terms is amazing. Everyone on the trip was delightful. I would definitely do a repeat. 🙏
What a beautiful endorsement, Mariposa, my heartfelt thanks. It was lovely having you join us and I hope the rest of your time in Africa was equally special! Warmest wishes, David
I am so happy that David showed you a new technique. Wonderful when you practice comfortably. I wish that you reach enlightenment before me.
Hey Peter....we are all on the journey....I enjoy your posts...may the Light shine on you brightly 🙏
Thanks for sharing what it feels like to be on mindful safari with you. 💜🙏🧘♀️
My great pleasure, thank you Deborah!
... my Saturday morning magical mindful reading❣️🙏
Glad to hear it, thank you Patricia!
On Mindful Safari
Dearest David,
I can’t find a better way to say thank you. Your emails are a wonderful way to connect with the Mindful Safari, to me. I love the animal photos, and the school kids, and the group of girls dancing, is wonderful the way you help others.
Thank you so much for sharing those experiences.
Have a safe return to Australia.
Rossy Cortes
Mexico
Thank you so much Rossy! Homeward bound very soon!
Thank you, David. I will join you one day to enjoy a mindfulness safari together.
Nothing quite like it, thank you Penrose!
10 note books & 10 pencils or 10 of anything is really nothing to children in our school system but hugely important to those deprived children. What lovely offering & so simple. Delighted all went well & the wildlife of Africa still amazing to see before your very eyes.
It is still amazing, even though I do it every year, Sue! We need constant reminders of our immense good fortune.