Category Archives: Extraordinary Voices

Extraordinary Voices, Grace, Reflection

Beyond the Fairytale

Inspired by Emma Watson’s heart-to-heart with Jay Shetty on his On Purpose podcast, I penned this blog post. Her courage in sharing her journey of challenging societal norms struck a chord with me. Emma’s insight into how we often reduce life’s complexities to rigid binaries—this or that, black or white—resonated deeply. Her story of soul-searching and inner work inspired me to explore these themes further. Join me as we delve into some nuances that make life so beautifully unpredictable.

I highly recommend listening/watching the whole thing through

Love. It’s a word soaked in romance and adorned with fairy tale endings, yet its essence often eludes us. We’ve been fed a steady diet of Disney romances and Hollywood love stories, where the ultimate goal seems to be “falling in love.” But what happens after the credits roll? What about the journey beyond the first kiss or the wedding vows? In the real world, love is far more complex and dynamic. It’s a dance, a partnership, and sometimes, a battlefield where the stakes are high, and the rewards are profound.

For many of us, the concept of love was shaped by childhood fantasies—those sweet, letter-writing romances that seemed so perfect. But as we step into adulthood, reality hits. Real love involves navigating through misunderstandings, learning the art of conflict, and finding someone willing to dance the intricate dance of life with you. It’s about making someone feel safe—not just physically but emotionally. It’s about the little things, like responding to a text promptly or knowing when to give space. It’s about compatibility and vulnerability, the willingness to make micro-adjustments in the relationship dance.

In my own journey, I’ve come to realise that love is more about the everyday choices we make. It’s not just about the initial spark but about finding someone who is willing to engage in this never-ending dance of checking in, adjusting, and evolving together. This understanding is far removed from the binary notion of love many of us grow up with.

Jay Shetty and Emma Watson delve into this topic beautifully in their conversation on the “On Purpose” podcast. They explore how love is not about one person leading and another following, but about both partners engaging in a mutual exchange of teaching and learning. It’s a dance where humility is key—a humility that allows one to be taught without feeling led or misled. This kind of love is deeply fulfilling, as it challenges us and makes us grow.

Emma’s reflections resonate with many of us who have grappled with societal expectations, especially the persistent question, “Why aren’t you married yet?” This question often carries the implication that one’s worth is tied to their marital status. Yet, Emma’s insights remind us that marriage and partnership are not the ultimate markers of success. They are not benchmarks that validate one’s existence. Instead, love and partnership should be choices made from a place of wholeness and understanding of oneself.

In a world that often pressures us to conform to traditional timelines and milestones, it’s crucial to remember that love isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Real love respects the individuality of each person involved. It’s not about forcing a relationship into a predetermined mold but about nurturing it in a way that honors both partners’ purposes and visions.

Jay shares a poignant perspective on this: love is about learning from the other person and being open to change and growth. It’s about respecting what your partner values and how they evolve over time. This mutual respect and understanding are what make a relationship sustainable.

One of the most profound lessons from the podcast is the importance of truth in love. Real intimacy requires constant truth-telling, even when it feels risky. It’s about revealing deeper truths and being courageous enough to risk vulnerability. True connection thrives on this honesty and openness, setting both partners free to be their authentic selves.

As a society, we often romanticise love, overlooking the real work it takes to sustain it. We need to move beyond asking why someone isn’t married yet or why they haven’t followed a conventional path. Instead, we should hold space for people to live their truth, whatever that truth may be. Love is a deeply personal journey, one that should be respected and celebrated in all its unique forms.

Ultimately, love is not about fitting into a societal box. It’s about finding a partner who complements your journey and respects your individuality. It’s about creating a shared vision while honoring each other’s dreams and aspirations. So, let’s celebrate love in all its diversity, and let people’s hearts and choices be their own, free from judgment or expectation.

Africa, Beginnings, Extraordinary Voices, Gratitude, Nature, Reflection, Storytelling

Life Is Indeed A Magic Thing

This mid-July, in the soft glow of a glorious South African sunset across this beautiful KwaZulu Natal sand forest of my newly found Hluhluwe Happy Place, I find myself reflecting on the tapestry of influences that have shaped my life. The recent loss of my mentor, Uncle Dave Rushworth, alongside the haunting melodies of Johnny Clegg, and the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, weave a story of resilience, connection, and hope.

Uncle Dave was not just a mentor but a bridge to the wild heart of Africa. My first journey to Hoedspruit at age 13 to meet him and his family, was more than a physical passage; it was an awakening. Through the years and the relatively small pockets of time I got to spend with him and Aunty Julienne at Trackers, his teachings about bushlore and the intricate beauty of the Lowveld became the rhythm of my soul. Uncle Dave taught me to face my fears, to embrace the wildness within, and to find solace under the African sky. His legacy is etched in the landscape of my memories, a guidepost in my journey. It is because of him and all he openly shared with me of his bush wisdom, that Hoedspruit was my original happy place, and always will be. I have deep roots there, a geography of soul connection. It continues to show up in my art and in my writing.

As I reflect on these memories, the music of Johnny Clegg resonates deeply. His songs, rich with the spirit of Africa, echo the same themes of belonging and identity that Uncle Dave instilled in me. Clegg’s words about being “Scatterlings of Africa” remind me of the journey we all undertake to find our place in the world. Words so indelible, I have them inked into my skin. His music, like the land he sang of, is a testament to the resilience and unity that transcends borders.

This reflection is especially poignant as we honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy on Mandela Day. Mandela, a towering figure of hope and reconciliation, reminds us of the power of unity and shared humanity. In a world still grappling with inequity and division, his call for solidarity and action is more relevant than ever. Just as Uncle Dave nurtured my wild heart, Mandela’s spirit encourages us all to nurture the world around us, to combat poverty and injustice with compassion and courage.

The convergence of these influences—Uncle Dave’s mentorship, Clegg’s music, and Mandela’s legacy—has shaped my wild heart into one that seeks wild connection and soul purpose. They remind me that life, indeed, is a magic thing.

Though Uncle Dave has passed, his spirit lives on in the wild places he loved, in the lessons he taught, and in the heart he helped to shape. As I listen to the whispering song of the wind in the grass, I carry his memory forward, embracing the magic and mystery of life.

Rest in peace, dear Uncle Dave. Your legacy, like Mandela’s and Clegg’s, is etched in the stars and in the story of my life. Thank you for teaching me that life is, indeed, a magic thing.

Africa, Birth Place, Creativity, Extraordinary Voices, Human Wildlife Coexistence, Nature, Storytelling, Values, Wildlife Conservation

Odyssey of my Wild Heart: A Journey of Trust, Light and Magic

A couple of years ago, I made a promise to the Universe: I would learn to trust my intuition. This commitment set me on a transformative journey, one that has allowed me to reconnect with the calm, clear voice of my authentic self, separate from ego. My Year of Trust in 2022 was filled with dreams fulfilled and crucial lessons in balancing what I can create and what I allow to unfold.

As I moved into 2023, I embraced the themes of Light and Love, further deepening my soul journey. This year was about finding balance in how I love and embracing my true self—what I like to call my Sunshine Reflected. I chose love over fear, which has led to an incredible synergy and abundance in my life, allowing me to live my Dream Life fully.

In this space of Love and Light, the Universe introduced me to an unexpected muse, a soul connection rich with love, radical authenticity, wisdom and insight. This relationship, along with those of my Soul Tribe, has illuminated my path, revealing that my creativity is my Soul Gift and Great Purpose. I’ve come to appreciate the significance of my identity as a Conservation Storyteller.

My belief in the energy that connects all things is strong. Tapping into this cosmic energy fuels my intuition and instinct, guiding me to seek wisdom from both Nature (Mother Earth) and the Universe (Sky Father). This reflection inspired my thoughts for 2024—an exploration of the concept of Reclaiming Wild. Drawing inspiration from Ian McCallum’s poetry, I aim to embrace the ideas of Wildness and Wilderness as integral to my soul’s vocabulary, reflecting my connection to Nature and the seasons of my life.

Wilderness
Have we forgotten that wilderness is not a place,
but a pattern of soul where every tree, every bird and beast is a soul maker?
Have we forgotten that wilderness is not a place
but a moving feast of stars, footprints, scales and beginnings?
Since when did we become afraid of the night and that only the bright stars count?
or that our moon is not a moon unless it is full?
By whose command were the animals
through groping fingers, one for each hand, reduced to the big and little five?
Have we forgotten that every creature is within us
carried by tides of earthly blood and that we named them?
Have we forgotten that wilderness is not a place,
but a season and that we are in its final hour?
Ian McCallum

With Trust and Light as my foundation, I embarked on a reclaiming of my Wild and Untamed self. This journey has been about embracing my Wild Heart and empowering the sacred feminine and divine masculine within me. By reconnecting with my authentic self, I can live wholeheartedly and fulfil my Great Purpose.

As I reclaim my internal Wild, I hope to be more in tune with Nature, allowing this spiritual rewilding to enhance my contribution to the Conservation Collective I’m part of. This group is dedicated to physical rewilding as a Nature-based solution for the environmental and social challenges we face.

Rewilding is a messy, real, and imperfect process—much like Nature itself. It teaches us to embrace the beauty in imperfection and understand what it means to be human. In this journey, I am excited to embrace my magic and the happy wanderer within me, which I have dubbed the Odyssey of My Wild Heart.

The next phase of this journey is a physical one, focused on my purpose as a Conservation Storyteller. It’s about collecting stories that convey the Geography of Soul—capturing what it means to be profoundly connected to the spirit of place. This narrative intertwines community with ecosystems, aiming for human-wildlife coexistence.

The term Geography of Soul, a phrase that continues to whisper to me as my Odyssey takes shape, encapsulates the essence of my exploration. As best as I can define it right now, it combines the study of the earth with the spiritual and emotional aspects of our existence. This odyssey is both a physical and internal journey, studying the stories written into the earth’s surface, shaped by Nature and human actions.

Much of this journey leads me back home to Mzansi, where I feel a deep spiritual connection to the land, its wild places, and its people. I have long envisioned articulating the extraordinary voices of ordinary individuals in this land, capturing the wildness, beauty, struggles, and paradoxes of life here.

Practically, this means spending weeks and months immersed in the communities of my Soul Tribe to gather their tales. I’ll begin sharing snippets on my platforms and gradually build these stories into a book format. The chapters I’ve already drafted consist of love letters inspired by my journey towards Love Lightly—a commitment to choose love over fear.

My Wildhearted Odyssey has already begun. A soft launch of sorts during last year and some magical time spent in Eshowe, Zululand as well as a whole month on the road in November – Kruger to Hoedspruit to Dullstroom. The next chapter began this month settling into a new home in the bush in my new Hluhluwe Happy Place.

As we move into 2025, I’m drawn to the concept of Magic—an enchanting tapestry that invites connection with the mystical. As a Lightworker and Wayfinder, I celebrate the power of authenticity, and this journey into Magic encourages us to stay present and revel in our Wildness. The playful spirits of fairies, the wisdom of witches, and the teachings of druids all guide us toward healing and reconnection with our wild spirits.

This Odyssey of My Wild Heart is not just a recent development; it traces back to my childhood, echoing an ancient belief in the immortal journey of the soul. I’ve learned that my purpose is to shine light into the world, embracing both the sweetness and the bitterness of life.

Dear Heart, remember that your love story began before you were born. You were called to bring light into the world, to witness and speak truth. Embrace the light that shines in shadow, and let your journey be one of love—lightly, freely, embracing the wild and untamed. Love to infinity… Me xx

As I venture forth, I remain values-grounded, committed to kindness, courage, creativity, and authenticity. In the wild and untamed places, I find purity and a sense of belonging, learning how to be in harmony with the world around me. Deep within me, a Wild Heart resonates with Mother Earth, pulsating to the primal rhythms of Nature. This dance of divine masculine and sacred feminine harmonises strength with sensitivity, inviting me to embrace my imperfections. Each step I take is a celebration of authenticity, reminding me that growth flows naturally with the changing seasons.

Join me as I embark on this adventure, exploring the Geography of Soul and the profound connection we share with the land, its people, and its Wildness. Together, let’s celebrate the essence of Storytelling and the Magic that binds us all.

Dreaming, Extraordinary Voices, Grace, Gratitude, Human Wildlife Coexistence, Joy, Nature, Reflection, Storytelling, Travel, Values, Wildlife Conservation

Reclaiming Wild

Wilderness

Have we forgotten
that wilderness is not a place,
but a pattern of soul
where every tree, every bird and beast
is a soul maker?

Have we forgotten
that wilderness is not a place
but a moving feast of stars,
footprints, scales and beginnings?

Since when
did we become afraid of the night
and that only the bright stars count?
or that our moon is not a moon
unless it is full?

By whose command
were the animals
Through groping fingers,
One for each hand,
Reduced to the big and little five?

Have we forgotten
That every creature is within us
carried by tides
of earthly blood
and that we named them?

Have we forgotten
that wilderness is not a place,
but a season
and that we are in its
final hour?

Ian McCallum

It was a very cold August morning as we set off before sunup on our routine morning drive around the reserve. I grabbed my favourite merino wool blanket scarf at the last minute before the vehicle left base. It was only when we got back to camp I realised the scarf was gone. As the sun rose and the morning warmed up, we all slowly delayered. I had folded up the scarf and tucked in behind me on the seat but it must have slipped out as we negotiated the bumpy dirt tracks of the reserve. It had been a risk to take the scarf along, I knew it at the time.

Two days later, on another morning drive, this time in the middle of my wildlife track and sign test, we rounded a corner and there on the side of the road was my scarf! Not all in one piece though. I had a little help gathering up all the damp scraps of wool, dirt and vegetation encrusted and smelling distinctly wild. Back at base I laid them all out trying to put the wool scarf puzzle back together. Turned out only one small section was missing!

Hyena tracks were all around the scene of the scarf wreckage so the conclusion was that younger members of the reserve’s clan had found my scarf and had a good old play. Some of the holes in bits of scarf look very much like bite marks and the centre of the scarf was ripped by claws.

The pieces of my favourite scarf were carefully packed away as my year of adventure and wandering continued.

As I have settled into my homecoming these past months, I have found time to stitch the hyena-mauled scarf back together. It as been a soulful experience and given me pause to reflect and meditate on Wild, Wildness and Wilderness.

Recently, my mom reminded me about the incredibly inspiring words of Ian McCallum. I started this post with his poem, Wilderness. I can’t express just how much his words resonate with me. I have such a Wild Heart and consider myself a bit of Wildhearted Revolutionary.

In the world of biodiversity conservation, Rewilding has become the latest in a long line of buzz words. We associate this concept as a good thing – a nature-based solution for tackling the environmental and social ills of our time.

But Wild, Wildness and Wilderness are terms very often having negative connotations such inhospitable, lack of discipline or restraint, lack of sound reasoning, neglected or abandoned or a position of disfavour, badlands or wastes.

Today I reclaim Wild, Wildness and Wilderness as part of my Soul’s vocabulary – a way of expressing true nature-connectedness, a pattern of my Soul, my Soul Maker and the season I now find myself in living my Dream Life. I claim my Wildheartedness. I claim my Wildness. I claim back Wilderness for me and all my Soul Tribe.

Stitching my hyena-ripped scarf back together has become a symbol for me of my connection to Wild and Wilderness. My own metaphor for the journey I am on, connecting me to where I have been and where I am now.

A little bit of encouragement today to reclaim your Wildness 🖤

Find your peace in true Wilderness 🖤

Africa, Birth Place, Blessings, Extraordinary Voices, Family, Girl Empowerment, Grace, Gratitude, Ordinary Women, Reflection

August in Mzansi

August is Women’s Month here in South Africa and we have just celebrated National Women’s Day on 9 August.

Finding home again in this land of my birth, I have spent a little time reflecting on why the need for a day, a whole month even, to celebrate women. My bestie reckons every day should be women’s day and he is right. But then I do wonder if these ‘days’ provide a good time to pause and consider the theme of that ‘day’. For example, we acknowledge Lions on 10 August and Elephants on 12 August. Actually I love that these two species’ ‘days’ fall in Women’s Month. A chance to champion Matriarchs and Lionesses in all their wisdom and fierceness!

My ponderings this August have largely centred around my femininity and how I feel about being a woman in the world today. I realise this is an incredibly personal experience and I am only speaking for myself in what I am relating here.

My femininity is something I have never struggled with. I am innately feminine despite many interests perceived as more masculine in nature.

Feminism, on the other hand, is something I have struggled with over the years. I should not struggle with the concept of Feminism, right? With the definition as ‘the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of gender equality’, what is there to struggle with?

I suppose part of it comes down to that human failing of taking things to extremes. Our quest as a species for equality and balance seems a constant challenge. So, where perhaps many others have been faced with toxic masculinity in their early life experience, I have come into contact more with toxic femininity labelled as feminism.

Not in my family, please understand. I have the most phenomenal of female role models amongst my relatives and I could not be more overwhelmed with gratitude to my mom, sister, grannies, great grannies, aunts and cousins for their love, support and ‘sisterhood’.

Female friendships are what I have found difficult over the years. Being part of a group of girls always seemed complicated with lots of mind games I was not cut out for. That stuff utterly perplexed me, still does. I wear my heart on my sleeve and so was totally out of my depth in this ‘mean girls’ world. As a result, most of my closest friends growing up were male.

What I am learning is that much of the negative experience around female friendships is born from trauma and disillusionment with society’s expectations of us as females. I think many of us have repeated, unconscious societal messages that pit us against one another instead of fostering kindness and compassion and embracing each other in our shared feminine experience. More recently, as I have started to delve into the concept of ‘Sisterhood’, I am beginning to realise the magic that lies here. The first time I was really intrigued by the Sisterhood concept was in reading The Awakened Woman: remembering & reigniting our sacred dreams by Dr Tererai Trent. I am currently working through the book again, this time as an audiobook which is read by the author. The beautiful African lilt of her voice makes experiencing this book an extra special experience. Dr Tererai has a whole section of her book talking through the power of female friendships and forming a sacred sisterhood.

Sisterhood
the feeling of kinship with and closeness to a group of women, an association, society, or community of women linked by a common interest

I have become aware that my strong bond with the females of my family is a form of Sisterhood. I have also become aware that I have stumbled into a Sisterhood of women in Conservation – our love of Wild truly connects us. I think to some extent it is that shared trauma and disillusionment with society’s expectations of us as females that I mentioned previously that connects us. I started trying to list the names of these phenomenal women I recognise as part of this Sisterhood. I lost count. Wow, what a privilege! How is this my life!? To be aligned with these ecowarriors, to know their names, to have shared the road, to have spent time fireside under starry African skies, to have belly laughed and ugly cried together in our shared Sisterhood is a beyond-words honour.

And on top of all this, I have my Anam Ċara (Soul-friend) Sisterhood….

“Anam Ċara is a Celtic phrase that loosely translates as “soul friend.” It describes a sacred relationship that is founded in connection, authenticity, trust and respect….. a Celtic philosophy….. that two souls that experience a unique and deeply personal connection will be stronger together than they are apart.”

So this month of August here in Mzansi, I am full of love and gratitude for all the amazing women in my life – my Sisterhood. I am thankful for what it means for me to be a woman in my world. It is safe and full of love and care unlike the female experience of so many other women in this world. I am also aware in appreciation for the wonderful men in my life and how they are just as much a part of this celebration as my Sisterhood. I see you all. I am because We are.