Africa Yoga Project - Be the YES in Your LIFE

Africa Yoga Teacher Training 2014

As I lay in savasana the posture of pure surrender, the few days leading up to this moment finally caught up with me.  Lying on my mat I was overcome with emotion, here I was on the floor with nowhere to go or hide. The past few days I had been submerged in an environment of open vulnerability, I was living with over 80 people from various parts of the world.  My ideas of what was and how it was were being challenged from every angle.  As the words of Jeff Buckley’s song Hallelujah filled the room…I cracked.  Around me 300 people, a packed community yoga class at the Africa YogaProject’s Shine Centre all of them yielding to their existence. In the middle of this moment, was me silently trying to control the feelings that were tearing through me.  Can I just mention that I simply hate crying in public, I hate it so much that when I was in my teens I took a vow that crying would always be a private affair (Funerals don’t count as public, considering its communal mourning)

It was a series of events that came together to allow me to attend the first Kenyan led Africa Yoga Project Teacher training.  I had heard about Africa Yoga Project before and would often visit their website for inspiration for my Ekasi Yoga Classes.  I was totally balled over when they told me I had made it through the application process.  Yoga training in Kenya the land of tea and the Masai Mara, I could not think of a better setting.  I like being part of firsts, there is energy around such historical moments; the sense that something is new and will never be new again.  As I lay on my mat, it was the cool, comforting smell of the lemongrass soaked cloth that was placed on my burning eyes that offered me relief from the tears that were flowing down my face.

Warrior of light

Growing up my grandmother always used to say “ it matters not what you look like because your beauty does not come from there,  it comes from your heart.” It hit me that what she meant was that our beauty comes from the manner in which we deal with ourselves, our environment and with each other as beings sharing the same world.

Billy leading a session

At this point it dawned on me that this was not just yoga training, it was a community effort to create a wholesome existence for ourselves and others from all the different communities we stem from. That through seeing the importance of our existence, actions and the light that is inherent in each and everyone of us, we could choose a path of loving kindness in our interactions.

The first place I had the chance to put this way of living into practice was at the training.  I didn’t get it right all the time, there were times when I was in my umpteenth back bend and ready to throw in the towel, I would look to my side and see Rachel still holding on and I would think “dammit! Why is there no one in child’s pose already!?!  In that moment I would take strength from my community in Rachel’s persistence I would be inspired to continue.

Rachel Rae Shining Away

It’s harder to give up when everyone is shining their light because it takes you back home to the question, “Why am I here, right now, in this position?”

This little light of mine…

Here I was 5000km away from home and I was relearning the value of being accountable for my actions, of seeing the person and sharing. I fell in love with the people I met they were lifing (living, doing their best). Some of the highlights for me were watching the sign interpreters do their thing, meeting Kiragu, the guy who believed in me before he met me. 

learning to jump is a workout & a half

Learning to jump like a Masai warrior from Joseph a Masai Yogi, they have the strongest legs the secret is in the locks they use when jumping.  

I met the “first” sign language mother tongue speaker, a young man with sparkling eyes and a smile that can lift the roof.  

When I asked him what it felt like being a hearing child with deaf parents, he candidly shared how there was no one to complain about his loud music nor did he have to worry about leaving the room when receiving calls.  As with every thing in life there are pro’s and cons. 

I found people to share my love for tea with, every night we would gather around sharing tea, ideas and thoughts. There was the talented Jamo dropping profound, life altering one-liners that would have me thinking for hours. It was also through these tea discussions that I stumbled upon a brilliant massage therapist who solved a problem my physio had been struggling to fix for over a year.   

Finding your direction, opening up to the world - Beautatious

When I signed up for this training, I was looking forward to back breaking, barrier crashing yoga. I got that and the murky work of making sense of my emotions and the daily decisions I take in my life.  Nothing prepares you for wading through your own physical and emotional barriers, when you get to face your nakedness, your truth and your light.  When you get to ask yourself right now and this very moment “who am I being?”  This simple question had a huge impact on me, who am I being right now for myself, my community, for my country? When I ask myself that question before I make my decision it goes from being what does Michelle want? To how will Michelle’s want impact her immediate environment and community? It’s a whole different ball game when you stop thinking about yourself as an insular being you start living.  

Experiences like this remind me to always strive be the YES in my life.

Thank you Jamo Mweu for the Photography

Drakensberg a road trip for all seasons

Drakensberg 

South Africa has some of the most scenic roads, making road trips the ideal way to experience the landscape on offer. It has  never taken much to convince me to hit the tarmac  be it winter or summer I am always ready for the road; my particular favourite stretch is from Johannesburg to Durban. Regardless of the time of the year that route always leaves me in awe of nature and its rugged beauty. This was my motivation in taking up a post as a co-pilot for a 3-day weekend road trip to the Drakensberg.

Action shot - see what I mean, how can you sleep through that journey

Always seeking clarity I asked what were the conditions of being a co-pilot for a 3 day weekend trip? “To be supportive and show the way” was the response.   Perfect! I could do that, after all what one really needs in a co-pilot is a person who can make the journey as fun as the destination.   

In saying YES, I unknowingly opened myself up to learning more about the spirit of generosity that exists within the world.   When you decide you want to be spontaneous and travel the day before a public holiday, you enroll in defying the school of thought that proclaims failing to plan is planning to fail.

After calling every place I could find in the Berg seeking a cottage with 2 bedrooms and braai area, I realised that I was in for a challenge; all the places were fully booked.  In a final attempt out of sheer desperation I asked the person I had on the line, if there was any place they could suggest? “Central Reservations” he suggested “they know everything.” 

These rather human-like, smiley gnomes can be found at the central reservations office

I called, still hopeful because you cannot give up without knocking on every door.  A delightful woman answered the phone; she exuded happiness that permeated through our conversation.  She explained that she had only been working there for a week and didn't know if she could find this rather complicated request at such a late hour.  She asked me if I was travelling with kids that I needed a 2 bed-roomed cottage.  I explained that we were friends; I was met with odd silence that was followed by short giggle, “well, I hope I can find you two little friends a suitable place, I’ll be in touch within the next hour.”  An hour later like clock-work Magda emailed me 2 places that she had found, a miracle worker indeed. She had found a quaint little cottage that could accommodate us.  I didn't expect Magda to go above and beyond for a stranger who was asking for an arm and a leg in accommodation but she amazed me in her willingness.

#1 Trust in the power of asking for help.

Now that the accommodation was done, my mind was on the road.  I enjoy being behind the wheel, but since my job was to show the way I had the luxury of taking in every bit of scenery.  There where huge fields with sunflowers that extended beyond what the eye could see, cows grazing in huge open fields and the panoramic mountain views.

 I even decided to indulge my curiosity about a Honey-comb looking building on the side of the highway, that I had passed several times but had never stopped to see what was inside. Whilst my friend worked on building a relationship with what looked like an ostrich, I discovered that they created interesting preserves and mouth-watering baked goods.  It took a whole lot of discipline for me to walk out of there without something for tea.

#2 Drop what you know and Indulge your curiosity

When we arrived the first thing I saw was the parking area, it dawned on me that the rental of the cottage was something our host had fallen into and not a business venture that they wanted to grow. It was a cottage with all the amenities we needed but none of the charm you would expect from a professional establishment.  It still contained family pictures and Christmas cards dating back to the 90’s. The host though was soft spoken, pleasant woman who brought us farm fresh milk for our tea.

#3 Let go of what you must to open yourself up to possibility

Whilst I finished unpacking, my friend started a fire to prepare our supper.  Besides the salad he cooked a scrumptious feast that left us satisfied in happy silence.  Not only could he make a "fire-lighter free" fire and cook he also washed-up afterwards.  It was a pleasant surprise, a real all-rounder.

#4 You discover things about people when you travel with them, things that you would not necessarily know in the convenience world of city life.

Retreating into nature can only be therapeutic for the soul, to get the most out of this trip we decided to go hiking the next day.  It was a perfect day, warm enough with clear blue skies.  Even though I have been to the berg several times I was blown away by its enormity and magnificence.  So blown away that mid-hike I felt like losing myself in its glory, plonking myself on the side of the path, I soaked in the silence, slight breeze and the feel of it against my skin.  A memory that I could never capture with my camera, beauty that can only be appreciated through the connection of being there with no distraction.  

#5 Generosity of spirit allows you to make room for each other’s quirky ways.

Along the way I felt myself heating up at the next stream I decided to dip my wrists into the mountain fresh, cool water.  What a welcome relief, I could feel my body temperature drop down to a more agreeable degree. 

Nandi Falls

Once we arrived at Nandi falls, I was enamoured with the coolness that I insisted on us eating our lunch under the spray of the falls. Luckily he was not going to allow me to get away with this one and found us the perfect and most probably the most scenic spot. The melody of the stream and tranquility of the area was a welcome reprieve

This was such a beautiful spot, it was not easy to reach but worth the trouble

#6 Great scenery, simple food & good company are the essentials of life 

The beauty of being in nature is it allows you to reflect, with no need to fill the silence with small talk, you get to be present. I was aware of how helpful my partner in crime was, how he always offered a helping hand in places that were precarious.  He was not upset when I rugby tackled him after thinking some wild animal (baboon to be exact) was launching at me.   It was not just me that he looked out for, when I was doing a final look around as we were leaving, I found some new additions to the bathroom and kitchen. It made me think of my Land Service days, that we are here to look after each others interest.  When you leave a place better than you found it, you in turn honour the person and encourage the spirit of generosity & kindness. 

I suppose part of a successful nature inspired road trip is having a person who is pleasant to be around and makes the experience one for the books or blog in this case.

#7 Leave things better than how you found them 

Travel Tuesday: Finding my place of peace

Sometimes you just need to go to a place where you are not disturbed by life’s interruptions.

There 2 such places that I always choose to retreat to, both are hidden on the side of a hill with views that comfort the soul and exhilarate the heart.  Here there is no noise, every sound is clear and it speaks of life; from birds chirping to the gurgle sound of water making its way to the top, this is where I choose to meet myself. It’s a trip I often invite no one too as it’s for me.  It has nothing to do with the next adventure but everything to do with the essence of my being.

It wasn't always like this but life has a way of showing you who you are; the death of my close friend in the early 2000s left me distraught and with an ache so deep that I did not know how to heal myself.  After weeks of weeping at any given time I realized that what I required was something no one else could give me, I needed time alone with myself.  I gathered my little broken heart and made for Ixopo Buddhist retreat in KwaZulu Natal for a silent retreat.

 Now anybody who knows me most probably has their eyebrows furrowed because I’m not one to give up a good conversation let alone do a silent retreat, in fact I really love talking to people, anyone really, yet through my heartbreak my life shifted gears from the external to the internal journey of life. 

I chose to live in the dormitories where my chances of bumping into people were higher but having arrived during the week there very few people to be seen.  Having explained myself to the admin lady, she offered me a chance to do a silent working retreat, I shared how much I loved gardening as I imagined myself potting around in Wellingtons in the beautiful vegetable garden.   Instead I was showed a huge field almost the size of a Rugby field and told that there where baby trees in the metre long grass and I had to find them. Not one to shy away from a challenge I went in full force slaying the grass in search of the bebe trees.

It was only on the 3^rdday that my silence was broken by my own screams when I thought I heard a snake making its way to attack me.   I threw the slasher to the skies and went in the opposite direction screaming,  the fact that is was a sharp tool that could have easily landed on my head was forgotten when I thought I was under attack.   Besides almost killing myself let me take you through a somewhat visual experience of why I have chosen these 2 places as my place of refuge.

Its really as beautiful as it is described in Cry the Beloved Country -  For those who have never read the book here is a little excerpt -  "There is a lovely road that runs from Ixopo into the hills. These hills are grass-covered and rolling, and they are lovely beyond any singing of it. The road climbs seven miles into them, to Carisbrooke; and from there, if there is no mist, you look down on one of the fairest valleys of Africa. About you there is grass and bracken and you may hear the forlorn crying of the titihoya, one of the birds of the veld. Below you is the valley of the Umzimkulu, on its journey from the Drakensberg to the sea; and beyond and behind the river, great hill after great hill; and beyond and behind them, the mountains of Ingeli and East Griqualand."

In the garden this gigantic statue sits, smiling.
 I'm not Buddhist but there is so much that one can learn from such simplicity
 when you have forgotten what it feels like to smile.

It was here that I encountered Rumi for the first time during guided poetry meditation.
 I heard the words, but they went beyond my ears they spoke to my heart,  I was in love.

The other thing that they do very well here is the Food.  Its everything food should be, simple, fresh tasty and heart warming.  from the bread to the cake the love flows through it all.

My second place of peace is much closer to where I reside for sometimes you need to escape without having to request leave.  Sediba Mountain retreat, it was here that I trained for my yoga teaching; it was here that I found my second home in Gauteng.  I love this little place; this is where I come to think, rest, sleep and meditate.  Created as a place where anyone can visit seeking return to the source of who they are through silence, a place to meditate and continue on your journey.  I have met many people on different paths, I have heard, sat and listened to stories of those who have been beaten by life yet chosen to get up and try again. It is a special place for here there is no one to judge let alone offer their opinions.
.

A room with a view

A sunset like no other it's moments like this that I'm grateful for,

 they remind me that there is something greater than myself. 

That I am a speck in the greater scheme of things.

Just saying but you know its true.

Travel Tuesday: Yummy Mummy's who Travel DIY

Who do woman become after they become someone’s mother?

Good enough to eat

 I have spent hours pondering this question, as I am a young woman who would like to have kids in the near future.  Right now I lead a get up and go life, I wait for no one as I seek adventure.  I don’t have to worry about planning after all, if  I decide to hit the road it’s just myself that I have to worry about.   So what happens when I finally decide to shift gears and become a mum?  Will travel become a distant dream as my life is consumed by nappies, baby talk and booties?  Will I all of a sudden become a boring, dowdy woman who laments about her youth and glamazon ways that are now a thing of the past as I chase after Lerato? Walking around with creased clothes and baby food stains a sign of my everyday struggle as a mother.

This idea had me in a flat spin, I found myself hyperventilating as heaviness descended upon my chest. Asthma pump someone!  While some might choose this path and I have seen woman looking like this in isle 4 at the grocery store.  Not hot, if anything scary! I feel no different (mentally of course) from the time I was 21 so what happens when all of a sudden you look like Charlize Theron in Monster except you are on isle 4? 

Yummy Mummy Queen B

I searched the net looking for mommies who were embracing their new life with the same panache that they had for their single years.  I was relieved to find the likes of Jada Pinket, Angela Basset and of course Queen B who seemed to still maintain who they are yet still embrace being a mom.  *Sigh of relief* but what about ordinary people like myself? I turned to my facebook friends and I was pleasantly surprised. I came across gorgeous pictures of happy, young mothers who make motherhood look like a breeze, never losing their sense of self, appreciation of their body and love for adventure.

Introducing the yummy mummies who travel; they are a group of youthful mothers who once a year, head off into the unknown to celebrate and discover new things about themselves through travel.

Who are the yummy mummies?

They are Noncedo Nhlapo (mother of 1), Lebohang Monama( mother of 1)Rose Seelamo(mother of 2) Refilwe Monkoe (mother of soon to be 2), Phophi Mamburu ( not a mommy yet)

Looking gorgeous and Ready for Adventure

What inspired you to travel together?

We started talking about it mid-year as we were all already feeling exhausted as we work full time and we are full time moms. We needed a real break.

Which Destination did you choose?

We picked Pinnacle Golf Resort in Mossel bay, their website looked amazing and it just seemed like the perfect getaway for a group of friends.  I must say it over exceeded our expectations.

Beautiful coast line in the back, what more can a girl ask for?

Who is behind all the planning?

We all worked together, Noncedo booked all the flights, Lebohang the accommodation, Rose hired the car and shuttle service and Phophi &Refilwe did the itinerary

A team effort!  Was everyone happy to share the load?

Yes it worked perfectly as we all have jam-packed schedules so sharing the load made life much easier.

So did Refilwe create an adventurous itinerary?

Yeah she totally outdid herself, we went on a 2 hour Safari game drive we were lucky enough to see the big 5.  We also went shark cage diving, which was a beautiful experience as we got to see the white shark.  We had a day of pampering at the spa!  Spent almost every day at the Pinnacle private beach, which was divine the only downside is we still recovering from the sunburn. To top it off some of the ladies who love height and thrills went bungee jumping.

Looking Posh & Fashionable for the Safari Drive

How did you prepare the little one's for your time away?

We are all lucky enough to have very supportive parents who have a great relationship with our little ones and so they were more than happy to have them for the 7 days that were away.

You are lucky indeed! Having a supportive structure in place always makes life that much easier.  So did you miss the kids?

The first 2 days were easy, but from day 3 the phone calls to them became more frequent and by day 7 we couldn't wait to see their little faces.

Yummy Mummy Getaway

What is special about this time away?

Our time away was special because it was about us and making time for ourselves, 4 of us are mothers and so we related in the evening conversations about the kids, and also exchanged parenting advice. It also allowed us to reflect and regroup so that we can go back home to our families rejuvenated.

What message would you like to share with other yummy mummies out there?

Yummy Mummies should definitely take time out to be with their girlfriends and relax. It's much needed especially when you're also a working mom and wife.  They should not feel guilty about going away as your little ones and partner prefer you happier and relaxed so go ahead and do it!

 

Working on the next trip

Where to for 2014

We are headed to Zambia, we feel ready to explore beyond our borders.

Well just don’t forget your sunblock when you hit Zambia cos Black can crack from the sun.  Nothing like Sunburn - TIA