When is the last time you were truly in AWE?
I just returned a few weeks ago from leading an amazing group of women on their first African adventure—an 11-day journey through Namibia. “A truly magical experience,” said one inspired adventurer. “A trip of a lifetime,” declared many others.
The Magic of Namibia Tour lived up to its name and delivered endless moments of pure joy, wonder, and AWE.
Here’s why that matters.
“The overwhelming awe and wonder we feel teach us more than we can ever come to know of things. In the presence of wonder, the head has no answers and the heart has no questions.” – author Richard Wagamese
Ah, yes, the powers of awe…to open our hearts, calm our minds, and soothe our souls.
On our journey through the mystery and magic of Namibia, awe struck on many occasions.
We witnessed 20 elephants walking single file to a watering hole, four black rhinos including a baby, lions, giraffes galore, and so much more, all from just a few metres away. We took in the country’s vast, iconic, red sand landscapes. And gasped at the 1000-foot, wind-whipped dunes that drop to the edge of the ocean that make this African coastline so special.
Unforgettable. Mind-blowing. Soul-expanding experiences.
Here are a few highlights that you might find awe-some, too.
A lioness coming back from a kill, blood still on her face, crossed directly in front of us, with such elegance, focus, and embodied power. Her awe-inspiring presence moved me emotionally. Energetically, I felt like we were kindred spirits navigating a wild, unpredictable world.
Photo credit Heidi G.
In another rare moment, one woman in our group taking a shortcut back to the lodge got an intuitive feeling that she was being watched. She looked up, and under a ledge of a massive rock spotted a leopard! The gorgeous cat, with her two grown cubs, seemed relaxed and uninterested in any human contact. That said, the rest of us were happily, yet truly shocked—and awed–to witness the wild cat in our midst.
Namibia’s untamed nature also delivered some exhilarating, fun, and jaw-dropping moments in the high winds and towering sand dunes of Sandwich Harbour, on the Skeleton Coast.
Video credit Ben@sandwavesadventures
Riding over the peaks of these massive dunes, and where they drop down to the edge of the Atlantic coastline, is an only-in-Namibia experience. It’s a kick-ass, thrilling adventure, especially at the hands of a great guide and 4X4 driver.
The experience of awe, and infusing nature’s beauty, energy, and wisdom into life is an essential part of my work and play.
Why? Because being in a genuine state of awe (even for a few moments) can transform your mind, body, and spirit. This is science, not philosophy.
In his presentation, “Why Awe is Such an Important Emotion,” Dacher Keltner, director of the Great Good Science Center (GGSC), outlines some of the proven benefits of awe for your mind, health, and overall well-being. Find out more in the “Highly Recommended” section below.
According to research, awe awakens the mind, helps one shift from self-interest to collective interest, and breaks down “us versus them” thinking. Imagine how that could change your life… and the world we live in.
What could a sense of wonder and awe reveal to your heart, soul’s path, or simple well-being?
My vision for these guided, soul-inspired adventures is to offer out-of-the-ordinary experiences that embrace the unknown with a sense of freedom and excitement rather than fear and anxiety.
In other words, journeys of the earth and spirit that invoke wonder and awe.
Ready to experience more wonder, awe, and joy in your life? Not sure how?
Connect with me HERE for a discovery call and let’s have a conversation.
Join me on an adventure!
Explore, expand, evolve.
The Magic of Namibia Tour 2023 wrapped up on Oct. 9, with great success.
Another Magic of Namibia Tour is planned for September 2024. For details email: barb@barbaraedie.com. Spaces are limited.
Here’s what others had to say about the adventure!
Thanks for bringing the magic Barb! It was a trip of a lifetime.
— Jo-Anne Weiler
Barbara Edie’s Magic of Namibia tour was beyond magical! Her choice of locations, unique Namibia experiences, as well as luxury and eco-friendly lodging were spectacular. To see the abundance of wildlife roaming freely was breathtaking. And riding up and down the giant sand dunes, along the ocean coast, and climbing “Big Daddy” was a fun and challenging experience!
— Nina Kostiuk
Coming Attractions
Future adventures on the African horizon.
WILD Rwanda Tour – September 2024
Next stop Rwanda! In October, I returned to this exquisite country for a brief reconnaissance tour to explore new accommodations in beautiful locations, trek through the rainforest to track chimpanzees, and check out other experiences only available in this part of Africa.
The final itinerary and dates for “Wild Rwanda 2024” are to be confirmed later this November. Want to be the first to know? Contact me HERE to be added to the list.
Highly Recommended
People, places, and things I love.
The Science of Awe… and why it’s important
In Why Awe is Such an Important Emotion, presented at the Art and Science of Awe Conference, Dacher Keltner shares the health benefits and mind shifts that awe brings. That includes awakening the mind and helping one move from self-interest to collective interest. Fascinating, inspiring, and hopeful.