How I Reconnected With My 12 Year Old Self in the Kalahari Desert

I had dreamt of visiting the Kalahari Desert for years, in search of the Bushmen people I had read so much about. I wanted to experience their simple, direct way of life and intimate connection with nature. Books like The Heart of the Hunter by Laurens van der Post and The Way of the Bushmen by Bradford Keeney spoke of their spirituality, that focused on community, healing, and a pure, open heart that allowed one to connect with the Divine. However, I could never seem to afford the trip, felt I was in too poor a state of health to last in a harsh environment like the Kalahari, or some combination of the two.

Then, in yoga class one day, the teacher said something that struck a chord deep within me. He was talking about a recent experience in the wilderness. He and a group of friends had recently gone hiking in the mountains, and had trouble finding the right trail. Their situation was not life threatening, but related rather to a desire for things to go according to plan.

I instantly thought back to my 12 year old self, and became somewhat disgusted. When I was 12, I would disappear into the woods for the entire day with absolutely nothing. I roamed the woods for hours, either on foot or on a cheap mountain bike. Sometimes I went with some friends, but usually, I was alone. I explored freely, following any creek or path that looked interesting. At some point, I made my way home and had something to eat. I didn’t text anyone about my day because I had no cell phone. I didn’t…