Lessons from a Jungle Safari - Kabini

Life isn’t a matter of Milestones but of moments. – Rose Kennedy

I always use to go to a Jungle safari in Kabini with an expectation to see a tiger or the black panther, and normally I end up coming back disappointed.

Last week I did have the opportunity to do the Jungle Safari at Kabini again, but this time I went with a different mindset and no expectation of wanting to see the tiger, I just wanted to enjoy the journey.

And lo and behold, I did NOT see a tiger, but it was by far one of the best that I have been to, as I experienced various other views, which I would not have if I went with an expectation.

Few of the reflections/attributes from nature that can be applied at work.

1.??????Pic : Serpent Eagle

Attribute: FOCUS

The serpent eagle stayed completely focused irrespective of the distractions, jeep noise, the langoor shouting, etc. It just laid in wait for the right time and did not lose sight of its goal.

Focus at work is an important attribute to have at work. Many a times we are distracted by so many physical, physiological, emotional distractions that affect our work, and we tend to let those distractions get the better of us.

Tony Robbins says “Your life is controlled by what you focus on”.

Choose to focus your time, energy and conversations around people who inspire you, support you and help you to grow you into your happiest, strongest, wisest self.

?2.??????Pic : Forest Trees

Attribute: Effort

Have you ever heard the statement - The grass is greener on the other side? While that might be true; what is truer is that the Grass is green where you water it, and nurture and take care of it on a continuous basis.

A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them. - Liberty Hyde Bailey

It is important for each one of us to place Effort over Talent. Only identifying yourself as a talent and diluting effort will eventually lead to complacency and arrogance.

?3.??????Pic: Lake

Attribute: Calm

I have seen many leaders either thrive or succumb to pressure when the going gets tough.

And the leaders who thrive, are those who are generally calm and take time to reflect on looking at the larger picture.

Mistakes and pressure are inevitable; the secret to getting past them is to stay calm.

In staying calm and still, it encourages to be silent and listen to the things we don’t normally see under pressure.

Staying grounded and calm allows for more opportunities to come your way. Living in the present is vital to maintaining a peaceful and balanced life.

Very rarely do?stress and anxiety?produce something productive. Try to put these worrisome feelings to the side to accomplish more in the present moment.

?4.??????Pic: Dirt Road with sun rays

Attribute: Stay Positive

During the jungle safari, it rained cats and dogs and the road was extremely slushy. At that point of time, where everything seemed annoying and irritating – right there in the same picture was the beauty of the sun shining its rays which elevated what seemed to be a dull picture to one of admiration.

I remember a quote from dad who sad “Remember that every mountain top has a valley experience, and vice versa”

When things seem tough, down and you feel like giving up – Just take some time to pause and look at the positive things in life.

There is always a silver lining, always a light at the end of a tunnel, always a mountain peak experience, always something good in every person and always something to celebrate about what’s right in the world.

Watch this video from Dewitt Jones – Celebrate what’s right with the world

?Finally, learn to love yourself and be the best version of yourself. All other things will fall into place.

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind. - Bernard Baruch