BeJay Watson started yoga at Londolozi eight years ago. Those of you who have visited the reserve may have experienced one of these special bush classes. A rare teacher, she’s qualified in Sivananda, Ana Forrest and Kundalini Yoga. Her yoga is suitable for all types from beginners to those with more experience and combines the powerful elements of nature with the elements within. Londolozi is always about continuous learning and with this in mind BeJay took on the challenge to learn a new type of yoga.
BeJay writes: I recently ventured over to India to learn Kundalini Yoga on a teacher’s course in Rishikesh on the foothills of the Himalayas. Not only was I reminded of the importance of the Breath, but I also learnt how to heal the nervous system and change the energetic field of our bodies through Yoga. I discovered that amongst all the noise, pollution, people and chaos of the day, everyone takes the time to stop when the sun goes down for their daily ritual (aarti) to show gratitude to a deity or in this case, a divine element, Ma Ganga (Ganges River). The ritual of stopping in your tracks to give gratitude and to reflect on ones day and to watch the sun set is an important part of the experience while the energy of the river cleanses you in preparation for the next day.
A wise man rests against the beautiful entwined bark of a tree
BeJay at home in the bush. Photograph by Elsa Young
At Londolozi we have the Sand River, an endless source of wonder that is the lifeblood of our home. Each Camp overlooks the river and it is here where elephants wander and animals gather sunning themselves on granite rocks. Our new yoga deck, in the process of being built, will look over the Sand River, an important natural element in our own community.
The Lifeblood of Londolozi – The Sand River.
The energies of Ma Ganga
Cleansing in the Ganges
In India before the sun rises there is an early morning ritual that is known as Sādhanā (a spiritual daily discipline and practise). To start the day as the sun is rising allows you to connect not only with yourself but with the natural element of Ma Ganga. Since my return to my home at Londolozi I have come to the realisation that we too have a natural element – the bushveld – where we connect with something that is greater than ourselves. As we go out in the early morning for our drive to observe and be part of the wilderness, we too have the ability to find gratitude and grace – this then is our meditation – our Sādhanā. Our evening drives, watching that African sun go down, is a time to reflect and connect with the people and animals that we have shared our day with. It is a rare place in the world where one can greet the dawn and in the same moment say goodnight to the sun.
Watching the sunset while a male lion peers out of the grass at Londolozi. Richard Laburn
The scared wildlife of India seen as the sun sets on the Ganges
With those two rituals on either side of the day it allows us to live in a state of acceptance and grace knowing that there is Ubuntu, ‘ I am because of you’ but even deeper, ‘I recognise me in you.’
So by the time 12 noon arrives at Londolozi, the time for our daily Yoga class, I love the energies and people that show up. During our class we celebrate the miracles of body, mind, breath in nature (Spirit) connecting.
On the deck we are all teachers and students and we share a group consciousness. It is a time of wonder, letting go of ego and sharing in a common rhythm, the sound of a fish eagle calling as it glides about the Sand River and our own collective breathing while nature is doing the healing.
I look forward to sharing time, space and energy with you.
Meditation Bar Music to listen to for relaxation:
Written and Photographed by: BeJay Watson, Londolozi Yoga Master
The consummate hostess that will keep you laughing with her amazing sense of humour. Only Problem is we don’t get to visit Bejay and her incredible team enough. The ultimate experience in being spoiled with top notch service.
Bejay is such a special person, her energy and spirit is so bright and shining, I look forward to my return in September and hopefully stories of her time in India. Londolozi is blessed in so many ways, Bejay is one of those blessings.
This is lovely Bejay. I miss you already. And cant wait to be part of the new yoga deck. Love Karin
Thank you BeJay. I was lucky enough to take yoga classes with you while at Londolozi last May. I visited India in February this year. Thank you for the beautiful photos and thoughts on breath and gratitude.
Beejay, while only a quick hug and conversation, its always a joy to be in your presence. My next step will be enjoying a yoga class with you on your new deck overlooking the exquisite Sand River. I’m enjoying your relaxing music as I type…Be well….xo
I can’t wait to meet you and enjoy a yoga class with you when I’m at Londolozi next BeJay! You definitely have the most incredible “yoga studio” on the deck overlooking the beautiful Sand River!
Wonderful BeJay. Looking forward to see you soon!!!
OK BeJay, I promise to try yoga with you this time in July when we are at Londolozi. You’ve won me over!