David Michie is a Zimbabwean-born, internationally best-selling author, meditation coach and Mindful Safari guide who is based in Perth.
He is also one of the most compelling, calming and composed characters I have ever met. Having just spent the better part of two days meditating with David in a beautiful Dell at La Rochelle, I am delighted to have the opportunity to tell our readers about this extraordinary man.
He was kind enough to sit down with me and answer a few questions. He has also shared his answer about being Zimbabwean with us in the cover story. David has written many best-selling books that include The Dalai Lama’s Cat, Hurry Up and Meditate, Buddhism for Busy People, The Art of Purring and The Magician of Lhasa and many more.
His books are wildly popular and have been translated to 25 languages in 40 countries around the world. He is currently working on a follow-up book to the Dalai Lama’s Cat that will surely be as captivating as his other works.
When I asked about his connection and attachment to Zimbabwe, he spoke passionately about his desire to “reconnect with the amazing, happy, kind and welcoming people who stand out as a culture.”
David has lived in the UK and now lives in Australia; 35 years later he is excited to bring his Mindful Safaris home to Zimbabwe. He has just completed a trip with an international group who visited Victoria Falls, where they had an amazing experience at Masuwe Lodge.
Interestingly, the savannah has proven to be the most popular and preferred environment to “come home to yourself,” outranking the forest and the mountains as venues for meditation. David told me that the game viewing was absolutely phenomenal after a meditation session! It seems that the animals were drawn to the loving, kind and positive thoughts floating around the savannah.
David attributes his success to his persistence. He told us many stories of his career and personal experiences that revealed exactly how his persistence and determination have served him well, and it is a great and valuable lesson that we can all learn from.
Many people have inspired David throughout his life, but his Buddhist teacher, Les Sheehy, stands out as his motivating force. When he was invited to lead a group in meditation and teachings, David chose La Rochelle because of his childhood memories from a time in the late 1970s when he played the flute in Mutare as part of the Salisbury City Orchestra. He remembers the sparkling, clean and pristine air that is “magical like champagne,” and was drawn to the area for this retreat. I am here to tell you that he chose very wisely! Among many pieces of wisdom that David shared with our group, he also shared his favorite quote by the Dalai Lama:
“True happiness come not from a limited concern for one’s own well-being, or that of those one feels close to, but from developing love and compassion for all sentient beings.”
What great words to live by.
For more information or to follow David Michie, visit his website
www.davidmichie.com
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