Day 11: the Tale of Two Mountains

Monday 6 April 2020 / 21 Days Lock Down Reflection

Thinking back to moments that have had some significance, turning point or profound upheaval in my life to help keep me on track. Thank you to all who follow my rambles. I have been quiet on social media for some time, I guess now is as good a time as any to share.

A Tale of Two Mountains:

It was over the brim of my coffee cup at my favourite breakfast retreat that I saw Kersten crack a sheepish smile, uttering the words, ‘Mt. Kenya’. “If it comes about that you do join us on Mt. Kilimanjaro this year, you must promise to do so on one condition. You must climb Mt. Kenya afterwards with me”.

I made an excellent recovery from a dazed stare, still managing not to spill any coffee in the process and suddenly found myself offering my handshake, reflecting back an equally stupid grin. The voice inside my head cowering in the corner stuttered “Oh Boy, here we go again!”

           MT Kilimanjaro

And so it was and so it is. At times it is still somewhat hard to believe. We summited two of Africa’s great peaks one week apart during October 2016. Given that Point Lenana is the 3^rd highest peak on Mt. Kenya and not as high as Mt. Kilimanjaro it is still, most certainly, something to write home about.

But what does one write exactly. Having traversed many character building ridges and even deeper questions along the way. Here and there I have shared a momentary flashback with friends, at times with some charismatic body language to emphasize the story, but the mountain tends to linger more silently in the deeper parts of your soul. In the quiet moments outside of the regular trappings of life, she whispers to you her offerings of truth.

One would think that all the learnings of the mountain are integrated during the experience of climbing her. I came home feeling I could summit my world. I could take on any challenge, nothing could stand in my way.

All hell broke loose.

Once again the journey of self-reflection began. Surely this was not the way it’s supposed to be after my epic trip. What happened to the glory of the previous moment? Am I missing something somehow? Am I not seeing and applying some valuable lesson? Is it possible that I’m even being punished?

Then it struck me. You can’t summit to the next mountain top from the top of the mountain you are already on. You have to first go back down into the valley.

      Mt Kenya

Coming down off Mt. Kenya the morning after our summit was not easy to say the least. We were tired and we were done. The descent was exceptionally steep and seemingly treacherous. We had no walking sticks and the surface consisted mostly of loose rock and gravel. Numerous tumbles ensued. Neither of us were having much fun and as hard as it is to believe, by now we had both lost our sense of humour. But then isn’t it funny somehow? I find it interesting that few mountain climbers ever talk about the descent? On the mountain, as in life, with every new plateau we progress to, we have to first take the journey down into the valley. There has to be a time for descent, for a reckoning of what we have learned, it is part of the cycle experienced on the mountain. Resilience and attitude will be tested. This is a given.

The valley experience has much to offer. This is the laboratory where we develop the mountain mind set. Coming down off the mountain, it is in the valley that we once again prepare, we research. We develop new capabilities, insight and faculties. We discover new ways of management that we will need to adapt to the ever changing environment around us.

We must be prepared to adapt a different way of thinking towards different levels of the environment. This is essential to survival. Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya were two completely different experiences. Neither was any less difficult, both remarkable in their own right. No two mountains are alike.

We have to be master and student, again and again. The summit and valley experience is an ongoing cycle to be embraced if we are to continue to climb the mountains of life. Those that are nimble enough to be more innovative, more adaptable, to be willing to let things fall apart out of the comfort zone of structure, to be creative and spontaneous will be the ones that summit new possibilities, whilst passing through the valleys of discovery and integrating these values along the way.

The mountain top offers us the vision of where we are going. Mt. Kenya was particularly majestic with its endless mountain landscape vistas. Summiting and descending down the other side, though challenging, was rewarding with its own journey of discovery. It resonates the call of the mountain experience.

If we are to embrace this life, we must not forget the vision of where we are going. Summiting requires a certain tenacity, but so does the decent. Are we fully prepared to embrace both?

Day 10: Teach

by Donald Barnett

Sunday 5 April 2020 / 21 Days Lock Down Reflection

Thinking back to moments that have had some significance, turning point or profound upheaval in my life to help keep me on track.

It was just over a year ago that I was given the opportunity to assist in the internship program with a group of young students who had arrived on our shores from the United States. The course was predominantly centered around photography. I had limited opportunity to share much knowledge in this sector, my function was primarily in the transit of the students to the designated photographic locations, assisting with the practical assignments where I could. These included Cape Point, Lions Head, Gaansbaai, Bettys Bay and Kirstenbosch to name a few. The experience made me realise I have a desire to share more of my knowledge with others, gained from my suitcase of life experiences and skills.

Remembering this group of young people who have all since graduated, your field of study predominantly in the environmental sector, my thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. The United States has been affected quite significantly by this pandemic. There were some difficult moments we passed through as a group. Remember the lessons of resilience. Stay safe and be patient. This world needs you and your gifts more than ever.

I’ve never really thought much of applying myself in a teaching role.

However, we all have latent gifts gathering dust on the metaphorical shelf. Gifts that potentially lie in waiting to be shared with the world. After all, is this not closer to our purpose in life? To strive to make the world a better place by enriching the lives of others?

Share, share, share! Even if you feel inadequate, incompetent, lacking sufficient skill. But to share authentically, I believe a certain level of humility is involved. A true leader is one that does not puff himself up on the podium of life, barking orders or instructions, cracking the whip of rules, bragging about accomplishments, stats and numbers, insisting on colouring inside the lines. We have enough of those in the world … and it’s a crying shame.

The greatest leaders and teachers have been those that have recognized the greatness in others, opening up a congruent space for stimulated growth, tapping in and harnessing the energy of those around them, so that these people start to recognise and utilize their hidden gifts and talents … always for the benefit of others.

Sadly this world has taught us all about the protection of self, the betterment of self, the elevation of self above others. It is a lie we have been sold, mostly driven by advertising companies and main stream media … and their simple formula is the continuous drive of the belief in SO MUCH lack, limitation and FEAR!

We have an opportunity during this time to rest, to recharge our batteries, to tap into the essential part of our being. I’m not suggesting we bury our head in the sand to what is happening in the world, but we might never get this chance again. It is an opportunity to really tap into ourselves, our deeper energy and strengths. We will certainly need it for whatever lies ahead.

Day 9: Hunger

by Donald Barnett

Saturday 4 April / 21 Days Lock Down Reflection

Over the years I have been involved in numerous humanitarian projects within our informal settlements, otherwise known as townships. These photos, taken some years back, are from Dunoon Township, outside of Cape Town. I did two consecutive projects here, each lasting over a month.

Spending time each day in this setting, the plight of the poor becomes that much more acute. Lack of adequate sewerage, water and sanitation was a daily reality for this community. I’m pretty sure this scenario plays out within most of our countries’ townships, making up more than a quarter of the 58 million estimated population. There were days that I walked past open sewerage, flowing through the streets. The complacency of the situation, like it was some kind of normal, brought home how little our government was doing to address these disturbing realities.

The year was 2010. So much hype was in the air with the upcoming Soccer World Cup, that we were to host. Budgets were being blown on building state of the art stadiums and covering up graffiti on the predominant tourists routes into the city. The poor as always, got the cold shoulder. Nobody seemed to care.

There are so many complicated challenges these townships already face. Lack of adequate education, violence – domestic and otherwise, flooding, fires, gangs, the list goes on. Now we are in lock down. Everyone trying to hide from the dreaded virus. How exactly does this scenario play out in townships? Confined to a shack, lack of income, lack of food. “Remember to wash your hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds” … many of our population don’t have access to clean running water, let alone a flushing toilet. I’m pretty certain that the biggest threat to these communities currently is not covid-19, it is lack of food and hunger.

What can be done to alleviate this situation?

Who will come to the rescue?

The plight of the poor world over is something that is never adequately addressed.

Day 8: Imagine

by Donald Barnett

Friday 3 April / 21 Days Lock Down Reflection

In the words of John Lennon, “Imagine …

Day 7: Obey

by Donald Barnett

Thursday 2 April 2020 / 21 days Lock Down Reflection

LISTEN OBEY SUBMIT SUCCUMB CONFORM ADAPT SUBSCRIBE RESIST TEMPTATION HIDE

How did we get here?
What unconscious choices did we make to arrive at this point?
What conscious choices can we make navigating the way forward?
Is this just the way it is?

… from back in the day high school class doodle.
I did not always pay attention in class, I guess I was focusing on more pressing matters.

Day 6: Culture

by Donald Barnett

Wednesday 1 April 2020 / 21 Days Lock Down Reflection

Cultures have always intrigued me.

Spending some time in Tanzania and Kenya I have become increasingly more interested in the Maasai culture. What intrigued me was that I found it still very much alive across both borders. This led me to start asking certain questions. What is the magic thread holding this cultural blanket together? How does one define a culture, what is the glue that holds it all together?

I wonder how the current unfolding of this pandemic will affect these special people. How does one prompt a Maasai to quarantine? Their home is the grasslands, they are nomadic tribes.

I believe the age old culture of the Maasai has some important things to ponder in navigating this modern day landscape, particularly in Africa. How did this culture survive through so many changes in history? How is it possible that so many of their own values are still practiced in tact across vast distances over two different countries each with their own laws and structures? Even more remarkable is that the Maasai are able to move freely through the Savannah regions with their cattle across borders, though this movement has become more threatened in the changing political landscape. Besides this, climate change is extending years of dry seasons in East Africa, and long droughts are threatening these tribes with extinction. Due to extended dry seasons their crops and resources are dying, leaving them with unsustainable food supplies or sufficient source of water.

When I look out at the world around me I see a perceived existing reality in the process of crumbling on multiple levels. Economies world over are under threat with many businesses on the brink of collapse. Governments around the world have given themselves to corruption not authentically serving the interests of the people. Climate change is no longer a slogan but a very real threat, the effects of which we will see and are already seeing unfold in our lifetime. There are a multitude of problems we are faced with as a society on a daily basis. Food security, the pollution of or water, the pollution of our seas, the pollution of or land.

The age of the hippie did not pan out too well, but neither has the age of capitalism. Enriching only a few at the expense of the masses an in its wake there is a complete disregard for all things sacred from the continuous obliteration and slaughter of indigenous cultures to the annihilation and plunder of our natural resources. Humankind is set to still to pay a huge price for their ills; and yet in the face of it the wave does not stop its growth – more people, more power, more stuff, more disease, more plastic, more unhappiness … everywhere.

Traveling back to Nairobi airport after my time in Kenya, I had many burning questions. “What makes a Maasai authentic?” I prompted our guide, “How does one identify an imposter? You see them sometimes in the city dressed in their traditional cloth and sandals, but how do you know for sure they are Maasai?”

Passing through a small town there was a Maasai herdsman with his cattle grazing near the verge of the road. “You see that Maasai over there? Tonight he will sleep amongst his cattle. Only a true Maasai would do that. He will protect his cattle with his life.

The Maasai’s entire way of life has historically depended on their cattle. Their cattle is their life blood. Wealth is measured by the extent of ones livestock. They are the ultimate African shepherds, authentic guides to their flock. The Maasai have been given grazing rights in many of the game parks along the Great Rift regions. It is interesting to note that these game parks, integrated with Maasai culture are thriving. Their life of living in harmony with all of nature is truly evident. Given that this culture is itself facing many modern day threats to abandon their nomadic lifestyle, it still stands strong in the plains below two of Africa’s great mountains, Mt. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is a culture that has survived under some extreme conditions. I sure hope to see the Maasai culture alive in our changing future.

It is said that a Maasai warrior will defend his herd, with nothing less than his spear, even against a charging lion. It is not just the size of the herd that determines wealth in the Maasai culture, but the well-being and sustainability of the herd. I believe the Maasai culture is built on valuable principles. These are principles of life, they do not change. They become the glue that holds it all together, upholding the community in a very positive way.

I suggest that much can be gained from learning from this ancient and beautiful culture. As vital as it is to have vision, we must also not forget our roots. Are we laying these down in a strong enough soil that will carry us into the future? In a movement that will survive the trials and tribulations yet to come?

Day 5: Love

by Donald Barnett

Tuesday 31 March 2020 / 21 Days Lock Down Reflection

I have lived an incredible life. I am humbled by the many opportunities I have been given along the way. Many of these have been doorways that I’ve had to walk through.

Opening them has at times has required incredible courage.

On the other side, often times has been an open void. Taking that leap of faith into nothingness, there have been occasions that I have fallen flat on my face. Other times it has been like stepping into a dream, with possibilities beyond what I could have ever imagined.

I have not always been the best human. Given the amount of times I have messed up, I am grateful for all the fantastic experiences through my life, especially considering that I tend to do things with some kind of theatrical extremity.

None of these events could have transpired without the intervention of others. Angels that have appeared in my life in human form, that have helped me step through those doors. There are so many of you.

Today I give thanks for one very special being.

You have asked me why I love you and I have said, “Love does not require a reason”

But in reflecting my gratitude as you walk along my side through this three dimensional life form, there are many.

You are the one person that sees through all my onion layers and still accepts me for who I am.

The one person I am truly at home with, where I can be myself.

The one I can trust and depend on, through the good times and the bad.

My partner and my best friend.

Eva Adams-Hart, thank you for all the dreams and the laughs.

Thank you for your kindness, your tender heart and your brave soul.

You are an inspiration to me … always.

I love you

to the moon

and back

Day 4: Vegetables

by Donald Barnett

Monday 30 March 2020 / 21 Days Lock Down Reflection

Reflecting on things past, considering things to come.

Time to roll up the sleeves, grab a spade and embrace the sun.

I have fond memories of growing vegetables. Even if it was for just a short phase in my life. It was here that I discovered the doorway to the universe, from the death and destruction in growing compost to new life whilst reaping a harvest of uncontaminated produce.

My current situation does not allow for the tilling of the soil or the construction of a polytunnel which I did previously. Leading up to the lock down, whilst others were scrambling to buy toilet rolls and other perceived necessities, I was clambering to gather pallet wood, screws, soil and seedlings. Here is my first attempt of a raised vegetable box, with me blessing the start of a new journey.

Look, I know I can be a bit of a goofball at times, the half-witted clown always looking for the humour in the forgotten dark corners. But seriously folks, the writing on the wall when it comes to food security has been written in big bold letters with a permanent marker.

I believe growing your own food will become essential for the future. I know the living situations for many makes this outcome a bit complicated … but we can all do something, even if it’s a few tomatoes grown in a tin can on the window sill.

We are in the midst of some kind of war. The call to arms should not be weapons to destroy our fellow human but to gather picks and shovels. I believe the single most rebellious conscious act in these times is growing our own food.

Day 3: Renaissance

by Donald Barnett

Sunday 29 March 2020 / 21 Days Lock Down Reflection

This is NOT a holiday! If I give myself to that energy I have become blind.

This moment in history that is unprecedented.

What an opportunity to be alive to witness its unfolding.

I will resist the TV and the couch.

I open my eyes to behold the truth.

Nations equalised by one common denominator … by something so big, yet so small.

The veil is thin.

Constructs, ideals, fabrications, systems are failing us.

Surely we are One.

This Time, this Moment needs to be embraced. It won’t be repeated any time soon.

What comes next?

Will I give myself to fear, to despair, to pain, to suffering?

Will I lay my ego down for a just moment and open my heart to what’s possible?

Will I silence my mind to become void of all the monkey chatter?

Will I recognise the source of all power within me, the same life source that connects us all?

The choice is mine.

Therein lies my power,

Therein I will discover the wisdom needed to navigate the void.

‘Space Jesus’ – this painting I completed in 2013, which remains unsigned, symbolic with all its subliminal messages.

I chose the Christ as an icon because it’s easily identifiable. The intention by no means is meant to be blasphemous or to create a distinguishable platform against other religions. Then the message is lost.

Whatever your walk and practice on this blue planet, I wish you peace through this challenging time.

During our isolation let’s take the courage to be still and go inward.

Connect to source, connect to Life.

The Renaissance is coming and is here.

Day 2: Hold On

by Donald Barnett

Saturday 28 March 2020 / 21 Day Lock Down Reflection

During the current #21days lock down I will be reflecting on things I have learnt from my personal life journey thus far. Time to take stock of what matters, time to release disempowering perspectives, time to reach out into the cosmic field and secure some level of balance.

This is an oil painting I did back in 2007 (1.2 by 2 meters) What makes it unique and personal to me is that the figures in the painting are adapted from some doodles my son did as a young kid.

Titled ‘Hold On’ … the journey of life can oscillate between mystical and terrifying.

Potentially a lot of people are feeling something similar right now.