We look but don’t see.
We listen but don’t hear.
Often we become blind to that which is closest to us.
This Valentine’s Day we invite you to awaken to that which is so close to you that you may have stopped seeing it. Those who surround you that you love, the landscapes you stand in, the animals who are closest to you and the voices of your loved ones.
We hope that the story of Shaun D’Araujo and Shawn Cheshire will be a powerful reminder to tune back in.
As is tradition, we give you the Londolozi Valentine’s Day video…
Excellent video! Thank you for your “vision”!
Oh, man, simply wonderful. In a million ways. James, Shaun, Shawn, and all the Londolozi family, you’re the best. To all of you . . . and to Africa: Happy Valentine’s Day.
That was so moving. Thank you.
Shaun, what an incredible story! Thank you so much for sharing.
A thought provoking, heart felt video that reminds us all to appreciate all that is around us. Thank you for sharing and giving us such a beautiful reminder
What great narration by Shaun D’Araujo. This was moving , powerful, amazing and heartwarming. It has so many implications beyond a Safari. Thank you for this video.
A moving and thought provoking message Shaun. In the general rush of life many of us are guilty of listening but not hearing. A lovely Valentines Day reminder – thank you.
Amazing and Inspiring Shaun. My family and I learnt so much from being with you in 2016, it is wonderful to sense and share in all you learnt from being with Shawn. Beautifully filmed and edited James.
A truly inspiring, lovely video, James and Shaun. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.
Love this. Thank you and Happy Valentine’s Day!
A very inspirational and thought provoking presentation. Thank you so much.
Very insightful–great job Shaun & James!
So, so beautiful. We ‘know’ things by listening to our hearts and getting out of our head, our ego, believing humans are more intelligent, are the only ones that possess emotion and are the higher being on this planet. We have so much to learn from nature and wildlife. Such a humble and powerful reminder of not who we are, but who we can be! Thank you Shawn for your experience and James for putting this together. Perfect for Valentine’s Day because it’s all about heart ❤️ ♥️💕
WOW! Simply amazing and so profound! This video is pure synchronicity for me, as it could not have come at a more appropriate time! I am now in my 4th semester of college, now taking the Communications – Listening course. Last night, I just finished my first assignment based on the “HURIER Listening Model.” Today’s blog is a fulfilling validation of what I digested and learned, while speaking to what so many take for granted.
Shaun D’Araujo and Shawn Cheshire’s story and video brought tears to my eyes, and left my heart racing, as I too have suffered three traumatic brain injuries. (One open head, and 2 closed) My third injury caused me to lose my eye site for about 15 seconds, upon being slammed on the left side of my head by a twenty pound box some 5 years ago. Ironically, I was hit in the same place where my first injury took place. It is very true that those of us who have suffered TBI’s, deal with the reality of long term side affects. It’s instances such as this video, that are a reminder of what sits dormant in the brain, that gets woken up to by the unexpected.
I am profoundly touched by Shawn’s courage and found wisdom to share life on a whole different and deeper level. Likewise, Shaun, you have brought me to tears by your heart felt understanding for what you came to learn about nature in a whole new way, – Transformed by being willing to be open to have patience, to feel nature’s energy and be compelled to share your enlightened compassion through one’s boundless disability.
Your heart and expression is felt around the world. Namaste.
How marvelous to learn another way to « see » and to learn from this obviously courageous and intelligent young lady, and to understand what she needed to see the wonders of the bush. Victoria
James, great video – I have never seen a blind person go on a safari
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the daily updates since my stay at Londolozi last May. This one is very special, thank you so much for sharing such an insightful and inspiring experience.
That was so beautiful. You made me cry….
Loved it❤️
Like a winning hand in a superb card game, each of the contributors of this insightful piece played their part to a successful end. Insightful, inspiring and open, we are slowly lead to understand a new dimension of hearing. Many thanks to each of you for sharing yourself and your talents. This was meaningful.
Wow!!!!!!!!! Really nice retelling of Shaun & Shawn’s story! Touched our hearts and left us feeling every word in Shaun’s story. Thank you and especially thank you to Shaun for retelling his amazing story for us all to share!
What a beautiful story! ❤️ Thank you for sharing!
Brought tears to my eyes. Very powerful and touching video. Thank you!
Wow, that is truly inspirational. Thank you Londolozi, Shaun and Shawn for sharing, you made my day!!!!!
This was a beautiful story and reminder to stop and appreciate life and tune in with all of our senses. My wife and I feel grateful that Shaun and Elmon guided us through our first experience in the bush. This video reminded us of how genuine and passionate Shaun is about his profession.
Mahalo. What an amazing experience for both of you!👏
One of the most inspiring pieces I have seen. Shaun narrates this so beautifully and knowing the depth of understanding/insight the people of Londolozi have, is the magic of why we return year after year. There is magic and the unexplainable at Londolozi – one really has to visit to know… tears of feeling.
Thank you for the kind words and comments, everyone. It was a truly humbling story of Shaun and Shawn, that we felt deserved to be shared.
We’re glad it has been so well received.
Epic film!!
Beautiful narration and filming of a real love story. After the tears were wiped away, I watched it again. Thank you all for the lovely Valentine’s gift.
Wow, that was enlightening. Wonderful video. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful message.
When I received Shaun’s email with a small note of gratitude and appreciation, I had no idea what was about to happen as I clicked on the link in this email. I was so blown away, I wept through the entire video and the 5 times I listened to it after that. I had no idea that what I see as my struggle and effort to “See” the world now that I am blind, would impact someone who was faced with the challenge of helping me “See”. Shaun is one of the most extraordinary individuals I have ever met. This trip not only changed my life, it helped me during one of the most difficult times in my life. Shaun did not have to show up for me like he did. Not everyone does. And that is okay. However when he chose to rise to the challenge he did it in a glorious fashion. I am looking forward to scheduling a reunion. Londolozi is my special place on earth. My heart is there.❤️
Hi Shawn,
Thank YOU so much for the inspiration you have given to so many people at Londolozi, both staff and visitors alike.
Shaun’s story is one that he presents on a regular basis, and no one who hears it isn’t irrevocably moved.
We look forward immensely to welcoming you back to Londolozi one day.
Warmest regards.
James
This brought tears to my eyes. It was so beautifully written and reminds us all to see with our eyes closed and our hearts open! Thank you James.
Glad you enjoyed it Debbie!
Beautiful Shaun