“Be here, now!” ~Ram Dass

“Now” is complicated for me, except when I am in Africa. I don’t completely understand why that is true for me, but it is. That’s me on my last safari, my fourth, in 2023. I’m sitting on the dry lakebed of Amboseli in Kenya in the above picture, totally, completely there in time and place. I am happy.

Having retired in 2022 after 40+ years as a psychotherapist in private practice, I have floated around with a sense of needing to find my spot in life. I also wrestle with aging and all that goes with that. Looking back on my life, wondering about what the future looks like.

When I am in Africa, on safari, time just stops and I am there, NOW. Something surprising is always there to see as I bounce along the dusty roads in the Land Cruiser or on a camel!

The element of surprise and discovery plays a big part in being able to be present. It sounds like a contradiction to say that I am excited and calm at the same time, but that is true. All I have to do is ride along and observe Africa’s magic.

I think there is a lesson here. To pay attention, without expectations or brain chatter and see what is in front of you, wherever you are. You just might discover the magic of where you are.