We all have fused common desires – to be heard, to be appreciated, to be encouraged, to be challenged and to make a meaningful contribution to something greater than ourselves. – It is no wonder we are charmed by animals and appreciate game drives.
Rights to Anna Heupel
Hence, I admire their rare but fascinating stances and mannerisms, and revel at their inimitable relations amongst one another. – Surely, there is a little of them in us and often they remind us of what is genuinely important in life.
Rights to Anna Heupel
There are many lessons one can learn from animals, but here’s what I have gleaned from gazing at them on game drives in the Bwabwata National Park close to Namushasha River Lodge and Etosha National Park close to Etosha Safari Camp:
Rights to Anna Heupel
- Don’t take anything too seriously
Like a herd of elephants on a hot summer’s day trying to make it to the Kwando riverbank fast enough, just in time for that afternoon splash in the water! – It’s play time. They push against one another, trunk tackle, and get angry and one gets hurt, but it eventually turns into the most memorable day. – Filled with fun and right there the irritation weighs off instantly.The things you worry about today won’t really matter tomorrow.
Rights to Anouchka Boiteux
- Rest is essential
The King of the jungle, is the best rest-teacher! Sleeping 18-20 hours a day. Compared to our required 6-8 hours’ of sleep or more like 3-4 hours, as you don’t seem to stop overthinking about that which has not been accomplished within the day. – But each day already has enough challenges and it’s important to live in the now and savour each day, with the good and ugly moments. So, remember to pause and relax from the daily responsibilities or lining up a stream of activities. – Just relax those muscles soldier!
Rights to Nela Shikemeni
- Be your brother or sister’s keeper
Lionesses don’t guzzle their entire hunted prey, but left overs are often left for vultures or hyenas to devour. Whatever your portion is; skills, creativity, knowledge, and yes even that ‘custard doughnut’ share it with others. – It is okay to care about those that aren’t like you.
Rights to Nela Shikemeni
- Appreciate your family
Animals enjoy cuddling and one will notice they also love to be with their loved ones. Hence, they are often seen in herds, just like we enjoy being surrounded by family. You will see them waiting or helping one another as they feed in case a predator appears.
Rights to Anna Heupel
And just like the Lion goes on his daily walks, he ensures his Lioness walks right in front of him to protect her from predators. It is therefore important to set aside differences, have one another’s backs and work together.
Rights to Nela Shikemeni
- Be brave
Like Lions aren’t afraid to hunt dangerous and bigger prey or even taking them down with brute force, so do we have to channel their character through our lives. Just know that not everything will go as planned and do things that you are afraid of, and have courage to persist through it all.
Rights to Anna Heupel
On your next holiday in Namibia, you can certainly experience a few of these lessons on one of Gondwana Collection’s game drives.
What other lessons can you learn from animals? What is your favourite quality of an animal? Let us know by sharing your story in the comment section below.
Author – I’m Nela, from Windhoek Namibia but born in a small village called Omatunda in northern Namibia. I am passionate about writing, research and photography, as it helps me gain knowledge about people and my country.
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