Who We Are
Yola
My earliest memories are of a time nestled in the arms of a large-bodied tree, I was home, held by the Mother. This innocent and gentle communion with Nature felt natural, safe and magical. At some point there was a split, a sense of separation. Although my life is a richly woven tapestry of treasures filled with people, places and experiences, the unifying thread that guides me, is remembering the presence that I AM which is the one that leads me home.
The creative path invites me a state of communion, and from that place of unity, I create. I am blessed to bridge my inner world with the outer world in a harmonious way. This creative dance is one of ecstasy. My greatest teacher is my work. If I quieten enough to listen, be truthful enough to convey what has been revealed, I am home.
Andrew introduced me to the raw untamed Wilderness of Botswana and a deep primal awakening occurred. A challenging experience initially, as aspects of who I believed myself to be fell away. This stripping away revealed mysteries within myself. I came face to face with the fear of death which had lived within me as powerfully as it was being witnessed. This immediacy of meeting myself inside Nature, completely transformed me. This is what my work brings to the African Wilderness Wisdom, may it become the invitation to your own wild Spirit calling you home again.
Andrew
From childhood I felt that animals, trees, birds and all of nature were special, somehow less complex, more pure and innocent than people, whom at times could be unfathomable. Our family pets revealed to me what love was, their presence felt so natural, and the deep sadness I felt when they were no longer with us . From early on I remember my dreams, some with eagles, lions and mythical beasts, which became recurring and evolving themes that still inform my life in profound ways.
My world seemed divided between secret places of phantasy, dreams and imaginings; and the world of people and things. I studied psychology and entered my own Jungian in-depth analysis to help bridge my inner and outer worlds. My life has been a sometimes inelegant dance between these worlds, yet, it was only in the wilderness that I found peace and truth, and an ever growing glimmer of what I am. I travelled to Botswana almost each year for over 35 years to immerse in wonderland of the African wilderness. Further afield my travels took me to Egypt, Peru, Scotland, France, Italy, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Swaziland, Madagascar and Hawaii. Each place opening my mind and my heart to our beautiful natural world and her people.
Although leading a busy and so called productive life, I always yearned for what could not be bought and only experienced from the deep recesses of my soul. I have two remarkable and beautiful children who inspire me each day as they journey through their now adult lives. My partner Yola is one of my life’s precious blessings and gifts as we navigate our ever deepening relationship with one another and the wondererous worlds we inhabit. Our togetherness has been a journey through each and every wisdom revealed to us from the African wilderness, which invite us to embrace and then share these with others. It has been a love affair, we have shared with the African wilderness, ever deepening our connection to the mystical and magical of our world. My overwhelming gratitude is for the wild places and all the beautiful people whom are and have been so part of my life, none more so than here in Africa.
The African Wilderness Wisdom project is my legacy to what has been of greatest value in my life. The indescribable experience of being seen by an elephant or a dolphin; indeed by all wild and free creatures; and loved with a compassion and wisdom that surpasses any understanding is my invitation of this work. Under the ancient baobab tree I am but a grain of sand who has been blessed with consciousness to witness.