How to Heal with Heart: Insights from South Africa’s Safari

I'm all about my routines – they're like my cosy security blanket. But, when my husband ditched our typical European City Break for a South African Safar a few weeks ago, I was on edge. Little did I know, it would unfold into the most mind-blowing, unexpected adventure of my life. I just wanted to share my learnings and insights from my holiday.

My visual image of how a Safari would be was shattered the moment we entered Kruger National Park. It has a generally flat terrain of about 20,000 square Km, with a low range of hills traversed by paved and gravelled roads. Even before, we saw any animals the expanse of the park, magically had the effect of relaxation on me. I felt connected and creative. 10 minutes of drive in the park replenished with the energy immediately.

Lesson No. 1: Connect with Nature to replenish your energy. It doesn’t have to be necessarily in a National Park in South Africa. A ten-minute walk before or after work or during the middle of the day will replenish your energy and remove your frustrations.

We were so lucky to see all ‘The Big Five’ on our Safari Trip. The animals are treated with respect and reverence in Africa and some lessons can be learned from them which could be applied to any professional setting, more so, in healthcare. ?First, we saw a mother elephant with her baby. You could feel the love and affection the mother had for her baby, just by witnessing the way, she walked alongside the baby elephant.

What can we learn from elephants?

Lesson No. 2:

a. Learn to make a big first impression. It matters.

b. Be all ears. Listening to someone without interruption is a great gift you could give to them. When you listen to your patients, history will give you a diagnosis most of the time.

c. Be gentle no matter what your size is – The grace of gentleness is a trait that leaders should possess.

d. Have big ideas - Just as elephants possess grandeur in size and big ideas, we too should be brave to have expansive thinking in our leadership journey.

We then saw a pride of lions feasting on their hunt, buffalo. It was a visual treat! The way they strolled, lounged, just owning the scene—pure kings of the jungle vibe.

What can we learn from lions?

Lesson No. 3:

a.?? Family comes First - Watching a lion pride, it hits home – family is everything. Taking a cue, let's prioritise our pride, our people. Just like lions fiercely protect their crew, let's stand tall for ours.

b.?? To Be a Lion for One Day is Better Than to Be a Sheep Your Whole Life - Lions don't wait around – they pounce on opportunities. Be bold, roar a little. Being a lion for a day beats a lifetime of sheepish vibes. Let us own it!

c.?? To Be a Lion, Train with Lions - Lions of pride move together seamlessly. There's strength in collaboration. This lion lesson nudges us to surround ourselves with those who inspire greatness and to learn and grow alongside fellow lions. Training with lions not only hones our skills but also forges a support system that propels us towards success. After all, the company we keep shapes the leaders we become.

?

Spotting a leopard was like winning the wildlife lottery – elusive, worth every penny, and left us in awe. It made us work for that magical moment, but when it finally unfolded, oh, the grace! A sleek silhouette stretching against the canvas of the savannah, moving with a silent elegance that only leopards can master. It embraced the tree like an old friend, and when it decided to lounge, it was a masterclass in feline finesse. The way it moved, the way it owned its wild kingdom, was nothing short of a lesson in living with untamed beauty.

What can we learn from leopards?

Lesson No. 4:

1. ??? Trust your intuition – Leopards' instincts to identify dangers are great and they use their fear to stay safe. We all have good intuitions and learn to listen to it.
2. Solitude – Leopards are loners, and they value their solitude. In the solitary dance of the leopard. Embracing moments of aloneness allows us to recharge, reflect, and emerge resilient.
3. Land on your feet – Watching leopard, I couldn’t help but think – life’s unpredictable. However, we have the resilience to land on our feet with the leopard spirit. It’s a reminder to expect the unexpected, adapt to change, and always come out standing tall.

?

Then we came upon the herd of Cape Buffalo. This formidable creature exuded an air of unwavering strength, its massive frame a living testament to the resilience of the wild.

What can we learn from Cape Buffalos?

Lesson No. 5:

Teamwork – Buffaloes are tough, tight-knit, and slightly intimidating because of their group strength. They have leaders and pathfinders who will determine where the herd will move next. They're a force to be reckoned with because they know the power of standing together. It's a wild reminder that in our teams, tapping into everyone's skills and having each other's back is the secret sauce to success.

?We then stumbled upon the White Rhino. With its prehistoric armour and calm demeanour, it radiated a sense of ancient wisdom, a living testament to the resilience of a species on the brink.

?

What can we learn from White Rhinos?

Lesson No. 6:

a. Tough Skin:

Much like the white rhino's armour against the elements, our lesson lies in developing a resilient mindset. Life can throw challenges our way, but cultivating a tough mental skin helps us navigate through adversities, emerging stronger on the other side.

?

b. Power with Responsibility:

White rhinos wield their immense power judiciously, attacking only when threatened. It's a gentle reminder for us to channel our strengths responsibly, employing them for the greater good. True strength lies not just in might but in wielding power with grace and responsibility.

?

c. Unlimited by Size:

Despite their hefty build, white rhinos can sprint at remarkable speeds. This teaches us that our potential isn't limited by our physical or perceived constraints.

?

Amidst the wild beauty of South Africa's safari, my ‘routine-driven’ world got a shake-up, unleashing unexpected adventures and invaluable insights. From the expansive landscapes of Kruger National Park to encounters with the Big Five, each moment became a lesson in leadership that transcends the savannah.

P.S: Here are two ways to prevent burnout and return home with energy after a long day at work:

From South Africa to NHS, if you want to thrive and not survive your working week, download my e-book.

https://drchitrasankaran.com/ebook-optin/

Subscribe to my newsletter for a regular dose of untamed inspiration and motivation to become the true Captain of Your Life and Career.