The Epiphany of Nothingness

Last November, I joined Raf Stevens - Storyteller werd business mentor with Expeditie Leiderschap, on a 9-day voyage to the Moroccan desert. I took my oldest son Simon Baeyens with me. The 5-day hike of 100 kilometers on foot through the Sahara desert near Zagora, is a unique experience. A diverse group of 11, supported by five Berber and nine camels. Disconnected from what we westerners claim to be "civilization". No shower, no toilet, no chair, no table, no internet, no cellular network, no meaningful time concept, no busyness, no "social media", no radio, no television ... what a detox, what a relief!

Back to basics, to a monotone rhythm of walking, eating, and sleeping under the stars, repeat, five days in a row. Time for introspection, sharing stories, fun, heartwarming, deep conversations, getting closer to my son, following your feet, and solitude. The epiphany of nothingness.

It reminded me of a song from the band Living Colour, "Nothingness" from 30 years ago. Especially the "2 Meter Sessies - Volume 4" recording still gives me goosebumps.

... And nothing lasts forever.

So that Sunday night, we landed back in Belgium, and the morning after, I took the Eurostar to London for a 3-day executive off-site. The contrast between the Morrocan desert and the most vivid city in Europe couldn't be more extreme. Still, my heart was calm, like it was never before. The four spiritual laws that Raf shared with us kept me focused, open-minded, and open-hearted.

1. Every person that comes into your life is the right person.
2. What happened is the only thing that could have happened.
3. Whenever something begins is the right moment for it to begin.
4. When something is over, it’s over.

My desert experience confirmed these laws and made me encourage people to find their unique way to get to the epiphany of nothingness. it feeds the soul, and fuels bravery.