Modern humans have their senses bombarded millions of times a day. Our smell is overwhelmed with the aromas of perfumes worn by people from all walks of life. The sounds of our modern era are literally booming… from our favorite songs to the constant rumbling of the highway over the hill. However, the sense that has taken the biggest hit during the Anthropocene is our sight. Never before have we been so assaulted with visual cues as we are today.

Sometimes we just have to close our eyes and experience the peace of not having to process all of that stimulation. When I close my eyes, I am immediately taken to my happy place; sitting in the sand, cross-legged, around a campfire far, far away from the commotion of our modern society.

The feeling of the sand rubbing between my toes, the gentle warmth emanating from a slow-burning log fire, and the smell of the smoke as a gentle breeze carries it towards me. Can you close your eyes for one moment?  Take a deep cleansing breath, and focus on this one thing, a campfire. Leave all your emotions and sensations outside, just for this moment.  And in this moment as you stare into the fire, time stands still.

When you hear the sound of the crackling fire at your feet, think about where fire came from, about our ancestors who took strength from the warmth and light it shed on those ancient hearths.  Cast your mind back to where humanity began its journey, and to all that humanity has achieved since.

I take comfort in knowing there are still places where the senses can be immersed in nature. I love that when I imagine tranquillity, it is a real place that I can go to in real life, not just in my imagination. It’s a place where harmony is restored. It’s a place called the Okavango and it’s on my doorstep in Africa.