Blog | Madhu Bazaz Wangu
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Writings and Readings Blog

Madhu Bazaz Wangu

AMAZING AFRICA: BOTSWANA AND ZIMBABWE

Posted on December 4, 2018
in Being in Nature
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When we get into the forest… we shall shiver with cold and fright. But things will happen to us so that we don’t know ourselves…Life will rush in.”  D. H. Lawrence I can’t resist sharing with you photos and selected videos that Manoj and I shot in Chobe National Park in Botswana, and Sable Alley in Okavango Delta. In Chobe we stayed in a thatched chalet at enchanting Muchenje Safari Lodge. We had an awe-inspiring view of the Chobe River and Namibia’s Zambezi region. We went for our usual morning and evening safaris but also had the pleasure of boat safari on Chobe River and walking safari in Chobe National Park. This park is widely known for its large Kalahari elephant population, estimated to be around 50,000. In Muchenje, it was our honor to...

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All ABOUT MEDITATION

Posted on November 30, 2018
in Meditation
2 Comments

Our eight year old granddaughter, Ariana Choi chose "Meditation" as the topic for her science project. During Thanksgiving Holiday we talked about what, how and why of meditation. Here is her final project.  ...

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JOHANNESBURG AND VICTORIA FALLS

Posted on November 17, 2018
in Being in Nature
7 Comments

JOHANNESBURG AND VICTORIA FALLS, SOUTH AFRICA “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries” – Aldous Huxley From Garonga Safari Lodge, Limpopo we boarded a flight to Johannesburg. Known to locals as Jo-burg or Jozi, the city is a sprawling economic powerhouse of modern South Africa. Our morning was spent at Satyagraha House, home of the future Mahatma Gandhi for two years, (1908-09). Within its walls Mohandas Gandhi created and developed his philosophy of passive resistance that led to India’s independence in 1947. The simply decorated rooms have been maintained the way they were during his time. The space gives a feeling of comfort and austerity the kind that must inspire profundity. An afternoon visit to the Apartheid Museum left me horrified. I was appalled to see and hear...

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LITTLE GARONGA SAFARI CAMP

Posted on November 4, 2018
in Being in Nature
5 Comments

LITTLE GARONGA SAFARI CAMP, KRUGER, SOUTH AFRICA Our first stop in bushveld was Little Garonga Safari Lodge and dwelling for the four nights. Our luxurious thatched hut was about hundred meters away from the lounge/dining area but each time we left the hut a guard accompanied us as the animals roamed around freely. From the back-porch jungle was in full view. As the animals were most active at sunrise and sunset our morning safari was scheduled from 6:30 to 10:30 and evening safari from 3:30 to 7:00. Hours of driving over parched unpaved road we saw nothing but leafless tree branches, bushes and dry grass. The earth had recently awakening from the winter, so the animals and birds were visible from long distances. We saw a lioness carry three cubs, one at a...

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Traveling in Southern Africa

Posted on November 2, 2018
in Being in Nature
7 Comments

More than ever before, our recent trip in Southern Africa has made me realize how traveling makes us see instead of merely look. As I journey I do not take anything for granted. Even the routine such as eating, bathing, sleeping, talking get framed with attention. With each travel the new experiences stretch mind and open heart a bit more. As outer surroundings widen the world within also broadens. Traversing gives contour to the routine at home because you see them with new eyes. You don’t have to go to a distant land. You may choose to go to plains if you live in the mountains or visit small towns if you live in the big city. “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before,” advises Dalai Lama. CAPE TOWN,...

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Our Heartfelt Condolences

Posted on October 28, 2018
in Being in Nature
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I am saddened and shocked by the tragic shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill—the neighborhood I lived in for ten years and love. Everyone’s friend, Mr. Rogers lived and worshipped in this neighborhood.   To those who lost loved ones or friends, on behalf of the Mindful Writers Groups and Retreats, I extend my heartfelt condolences. To all others who have been either injured or impacted by this senseless act of violence, our thoughts are with you.   Mindful Writers celebrate diversity of religion and race and honor our common humanity. We truly believe in diversity, honoring our neighbors and seeing the other as our own self. Our gathering spaces are sanctuaries of creativity and comfort.   What is a writerly thing to do after hearing about such insane...

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Journaling in South Africa

Posted on October 16, 2018
in Being in Nature
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My recent vacation in Southern Africa, with my husband, was one of the most mind stretching and heart opening trip we have ever had. Some thirty years ago, with the practice of mindfulness meditation I experienced my body, mind and heart integrate and become whole. In 2010, I invited writers of all levels to practice Writing Meditation with me. Recently, in Africa my integrated-self awoke to a deeper connection within because I was alive and attentive to the vivid web of natural world around me. The terms such as interconnectedness and impermanence of each moment and every life form was made real. The force that animates the universe and is felt in deep meditation became more meaningful. This tremendously powerful phenomenon gets lost in the hullabaloo of civilization. Our previous travels...

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Literary Awareness and an Elegant Festival of Books!

Posted on September 21, 2018
in Being in Nature
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I attended an outstanding book festival on September 14 & 15 with some Mindful Writers. Thanks to Denise Weaver and Hilary Hauck for making us aware of the first Allegheny Regional Festival of Books at Bedford, Pennsylvania! http://alleghenyregionalfestivalofbooks.org/index.php/the-arfb-story/  What an elegant evening and the exquisitely planned affair! The opening night at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort was graced by the local author, Ellen Prentiss Campbell, the author of the novel The Bowl With Golden Seams. The following day about forty colorful and attractive author tables were set under four huge tents in front of the Courthouse. Readings by various authors were held at selected shops throughout the business district. My reading was at https://www.backstagealpaca.com.  Thanks to Diana Morris for hosting me! Looking forward to attending the next years festival at Somerset, Pennsylvania....

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WRITERS WRITE! READERS READ!

Posted on September 7, 2018
in Meditation
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Hi All, Here are two more poems, not only for writers but for all to enjoy! WRITERS WRITE! READERS READ! Write alone! Let the vital energy emanate from you. Write with others, Feel charged with the collective energy. Write! Go on a quest. Conquer demons. Find the elixir. Narrate the experience, As a gift to your readers. Read! Reinvigorate the energy that exudes. Rejoice in the gift. Connect with the giver. Connect with the glorious energy beyond...

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DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY

Posted on September 4, 2018
in Meditation
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DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY A careless critique from a fellow writer? Return hers with honest comments. “Here” she hands you the draft. “the weak parts highlighted!” Show her where her strengths lay. He grabs the opportunity that was rightfully yours, Congratulate him on his success. By critiquing honestly, By learning from your own strengths and skills, By preparing through tough circumstances, Attain the strength no one else can. When you are ready inward. The door of opportunity opens only for you....

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