It’s 8.15am. We, the Healing House team, are starting our morning with our daily meditation, eyes closed but senses keen. There are elephants emerging from the north making their way through the thick foliage on the other side of the Sand River.
We hear them before we see them, that low rumble that you feel resonate in your gut. We can also hear the jovial voices of the butlers as they prepare Varty Camp Deck for breakfast and somewhere in the distance there is the soft sound of a guarry bush gathered to clear leaves swishing against stone as the gentle giant, Peter, in maintenance sweeps the paths clear. All the unseen hands and hearts are at work in preparation for guest’s arrival back from drive.
This is the camp life ‘inhale’…
As mentioned before in my previous blogs, when we are still and stop with awareness on the breath our focus sharpens. As we soften our gaze inwards, so much more becomes clear as we refocus with clarity and perspective. This is the gift of meditation and breath awareness. Since starting this practice, we have found a marked sense of unity and harmony within our team. As we sit in quiet unison and practice together there is a calm coherence that carries us through our day. Most notably we find ourselves less reactive and more in tune with each other’s needs.
A question we often get is, “why do we only offer body work?”. We do not offer traditional beauty treatments such as facials, waxing and nails. The answer is found in our name , the Healing House, here we create inward journeys that bring you home. Beauty treatments have their place for sure but fall out of the intention of the space. Our intention is always the invitation to take you deeper than the surface and for to find yourself at home within your body by touching the heart with true care and loving intention. We will not take up your time with unnecessary rhetoric on a product that will most likely gather dust on your bathroom shelf. Our healing House team would rather work with sound, light and plants, it’s the deep wisdom of nature that we believe set us apart.
We are immensely proud and humbled to be selected as a nominee for South Africa’s Best Safari Spa 2021. If you have experienced the Londolozi Healing House and would like to vote for us, click here. We would so appreciative the support of our Global Londolozi Family.
Our guest’s treatment preparation begins with our daily meditation as we set the intention to truly see our guests and intuit their needs. Every guest is unique and our approach to them is tailored. We see this focus on one modality of work, not as less but more. So often we are asked about how we create the feeling at Londolozi. The answer is simple, there is intention placed over every inch of this property and its people. As staff we feel at home, so we are able to make you feel at home.
Guests have left the camp to go on drive. Quiet descends over the camp as the light glows in softened hues. Some staff take to the camp paths or gym for their daily exercise release. Some unwind with a beer or glass of wine gathering outside each other’s homes. Tables are laid for dinner, the sand in the bomas are swept with zen-like care and lanterns and candles are carefully placed to light the evening dining as well as along the paths. Later they will be lit to welcome guests back from safari.
This is the camp life ‘exhale’…
The camp itself breathes.
A filling inhale in anticipation of guest arrival.
Then the slow exhale as guests leave for afternoon drive.
All our lives are breathed.
Where do you notice it in your life?
What does your inhale look like and where is your exhale?
What is your filling in and your release?
Here is a playful energizing breath technique…
It’s always good to learn about relaxation techniques… much easier to do in Londolozi than elsewhere!
Christina, thanks for the special post today. We love the breathing exercise. We are able to go into a place of relaxation every day when we get the blog from Londolozi at around 9 AM our time – Just we are getting getting moving here. Thanks to all for the daily reminder and calming place in our minds, as we are taken back to Londolozi! We look forward to our next Healing House experience!
Christina, I loved the photos🤗
Thanks for this wonderful post
Very relaxing and unique. I am sure this Spa is the very best, because most of the clients are overseas guests. The foto’s show how much care is taken for each and everyone’s desires. Well done Christina your Spa is the best.
What an amazing retreat!
I was so relaxed after doing this. Wow.
I love all of this, and Lions pise and breath are wonderful. Thank you Christina!!
Just another reason why Londolozi is so much more than just safari, truly looks after you body, mind and soul!